In 2026, the Nobel Committee announced that former International Criminal Court judge and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The committee lauded her lifetime of work to promote peace, rule of law and human rights across the globe, citing her impact from South Africa to conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa.
Joe Inwood, BBC’s correspondent covering the ceremony, traced Pillay’s path from her childhood in apartheid‑era South Africa to her pioneering roles on the sidelines of Rwanda’s genocide and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
“Her unwavering commitment to accountability and justice has set a benchmark for international law,” Inwood said, noting Pillay’s influence on shaping international criminal jurisprudence and her leadership on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
With this honor, the Nobel Peace Prize recognised not just Pillay’s personal achievements, but the wider principle that robust legal frameworks are essential for lasting peace.
