Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Navi Pillay Awarded 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for Human Rights Work

Navanethem Pillay, 85, received the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her dedication to peace and international law, with the committee citing her commitment to legal principles and moral compass.

Pillay, who grew up in apartheid South Africa, overcame discrimination to pursue law. She defended anti-apartheid activists and earned an advanced degree from Harvard Law School.

Internationally, she served as judge and president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, recognizing sexual violence as genocide and crimes against humanity.

She was UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2008-2014) and chaired a UN inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which concluded Israel committed genocide in Gaza.

Pillay also served on the International Criminal Court and currently sits on the International Court of Justice regarding Myanmar's alleged genocide against the Rohingya.

The Nobel committee highlighted Pillay's work in promoting international law as a foundation for peace, noting its role in preventing violence.

Pillay learned of the award at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice. She is the first South African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

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