Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her decades-long contribution to promoting international law, justice, peace, and human rights. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her lifelong efforts to hold governments accountable, defend the rule of law, and strengthen international legal institutions during a career that has spanned more than five decades. Pillay, originally from Durban, South Africa, has served as a judge, prosecutor, and UN official, earning global recognition for her work on human rights and international justice.

Reacting to the announcement, the 85-year-old said she initially believed the news was a joke and jokingly remarked that she might “share the prize with Trump” if the applause continued. Pillay said the award was especially meaningful as she was surrounded by colleagues working to defend human rights. Throughout her career, she has played key roles at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and most recently chaired the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where she led investigations into alleged violations of international law.

The award has drawn praise from world leaders and human rights organizations, with many describing it as a powerful recognition of the importance of justice, accountability, and the rule of law during a period of growing global conflicts. However, the decision has also sparked criticism from Israel over Pillay’s role in UN investigations related to Gaza. The Norwegian Nobel Committee maintained that the prize recognizes her lifetime of work advancing international law and human dignity, making her the fifth South African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and one of the most prominent legal figures to be honored with the award.