NEWS CENTER– The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced today, Friday, 9 October, that South African human rights defender Navi Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of her efforts in promoting peace, entrenching respect for international law, and defending human rights.

This honor comes in recognition of Navi Pillay's long career in the field of international justice, as she is considered one of the most prominent legal figures who contributed to enhancing accountability for grave human rights violations, and defending victims of wars, discrimination, and persecution.

She held the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights between 2008 and 2014, where she worked to highlight human rights issues around the world, and to call for respect for fundamental freedoms and the strengthening of international protection mechanisms.

Her name is also linked to international justice, as she assumed the presidency of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and worked as a judge at the International Criminal Court, in a professional career focused on combating impunity and holding those responsible for international crimes accountable.

The Nobel Peace Prize is considered one of the most prominent international awards, and is granted to individuals or institutions that make exceptional contributions to promoting peace and cooperation between peoples, reducing conflicts, or defending human rights.