Oslo, Norway — South African jurist and former United Nations human rights chief Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has been named the winner of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her decades of work advancing international law, human rights, and accountability for serious crimes.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on Friday, honoring the 85-year-old lawyer for a career that began under apartheid in South Africa and later took her to some of the world’s leading international courts.

Pillay served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014 and held senior judicial positions in international tribunals dealing with genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Navi Pillay’s role in international criminal justice

Pillay served as a judge and president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which prosecuted those responsible for atrocities committed during the 1994 genocide.

Her work at the tribunal contributed to landmark legal developments recognizing sexual violence as a crime against humanity and, under certain circumstances, an act of genocide.

She later served as a judge at the International Criminal Court, further establishing her reputation in international criminal law.

The Nobel Committee credited her career with strengthening efforts to hold perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable.

From apartheid South Africa to the United Nations

Born in Durban to a family of Indian Tamil origin, Pillay entered the legal profession during apartheid, when racial discrimination shaped access to justice and legal representation.

She represented people targeted by the apartheid system before moving into international judicial and human rights roles.

As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Pillay became a prominent voice on human rights violations and the responsibility of governments to uphold international legal standards.

She has also participated in international investigations into alleged abuses, continuing her work on accountability beyond her tenure at the United Nations.

Nobel Peace Prize highlights international law and accountability

Pillay’s recognition comes amid renewed debate over the effectiveness of international institutions in responding to war crimes, genocide and other serious violations.

Her career has spanned national courts, international tribunals, and UN human rights mechanisms, with a sustained focus on ensuring that grave abuses are subject to legal scrutiny.

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is scheduled to take place in Oslo on December 10.