Former UN human rights chief Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting peace and international law.
The South Africa-born jurist, 85, is a judge on the International Court of Justice. The award was announced in Oslo by Joergen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
Announcing the decision, Mr Watne Frydnes said Pillay’s work “is a source of hope and inspiration to all those who seek to bring about a more peaceful world”.
The committee had not yet managed to contact Pillay to tell her she had won the prize, which is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious honours.
In its announcement, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said the award was intended to underline the importance of international law as wars and conflicts increase and judges and legal institutions face political attacks.
“At a time when the number of wars and conflicts is rising, and when judges and institutions of international law are under political attack, the Nobel Committee wishes to issue a reminder that the ability to resolve conflicts without force or violence is dependent on the international rule of law,” it said.
It added that an international legal system capable of holding war criminals to account and delivering justice to victims of abuse was “a precondition for a peaceful world”.
International law at the centre of Nobel Peace Prize decision
The Norwegian Nobel Committee received nominations for 287 candidates, slightly more than a quarter of them organisations. Nominations may be submitted by national politicians and heads of state, university professors, foreign policy institute directors, former Nobel laureates and members of the committee.
The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize carries prize money of 12 million Swedish kronor. Since the award was established in 1901, it has been given to 112 individuals and 28 separate institutions, while remaining unawarded on 19 occasions.
Four of the 2026 Nobel prizes had been announced during the week. The economics prize is due to be announced on Monday.
