Johannesburg – The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2026 #NobelPeacePrize to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
Pillay’s commitment to universal legal principles and her firm moral compass are constants in a long career.
President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his warm congratulations to Justice Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
President Ramaphosa applauded the recognition afforded to Justice Pillay by the Norwegian Nobel Committee as a profound tribute to the veteran jurist’s courage, integrity and lifelong commitment to justice.
“Justice Pillay’s crowning as winner of the Nobel Prize allows us to celebrate the progressive contributions she has made to strengthen peace, uphold human dignity and bring hope in South Africa and to peoples globally,” President Ramaphosa said.
“She has served humanity with principle and the belief that the world can and should be a better place.”
“The honour bestowed on her reminds us to build a society where every person, whatever their circumstances, can develop their abilities and contribute fully to our nation and the world.
“We are proud that Justice Pillay joins Chief Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Mandela and Former President FW de Klerk in highlighting the far-reaching impact of South Africans on peace, justice and the advancement of humanity.
“We congratulate Justice Pillay and wish her well as she continues to participate in various platforms to secure the rights and dignity of all people.”
Born into a family of Indian Tamil origin under apartheid in Durban, South Africa, Pillay became a lawyer and legal pioneer, confronting deep structural discrimination, segregation and exclusion.
A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the key international court cases of our time.
This year’s laureate has significantly enlarged the scope and impact of international law.
She has served as a judge on the High Court in South Africa, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.
She was the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and, until recently, she chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Today, Friday 9 October 2026, Pillay is a judge on the International Court of Justice in the case where Myanmar stands accused of genocide.
“In historic international court cases, she has shown that legal measures can help prevent acts of war and violence,” noted the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
“Navi Pillay has also contributed to strengthening the institutions of international law.
“Her independence, expertise, and steadfastness have made her one of the most respected international jurists of our time.”
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