Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Navi Pillay Wins Nobel Peace Prize for International Law
Navi Pillay is a South African judge who has worked on important legal cases around the world.
She has received the Nobel Peace Prize for helping promote peace and international law.
The committee praised her work against discrimination and exclusion.
Pillay has served as a judge in South Africa and at international courts.
She also led the United Nations’ human rights office.
The committee said her work has helped make international law stronger.
It said laws and courts can help prevent violence and war.
Pillay is currently a judge in a case at the International Court of Justice involving accusations of genocide against Myanmar.
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African jurist Navi Pillay for promoting peace and international law.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited her efforts against discrimination and her commitment to universal legal principles.
Pillay has served on South Africa’s High Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the International Criminal Court.
She has also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and currently sits on the International Court of Justice.
The committee said Pillay has strengthened international law and shown how legal measures can help prevent war and violence.
- Who
- South African jurist Navi Pillay.
- What
- She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting peace and international law.
- When
- Friday; the article does not specify a date.
- Where
- The award was announced by the Norwegian Nobel Committee; Pillay’s work has included South African and international courts.
- Why
- The committee cited her work against discrimination and her contributions to international law and peace.
- Award
- Nobel Peace Prize
- Recipient
- Navi Pillay
- Age
- 85
- Birthplace
- Durban
- Nominations
- 287 nominations, including 79 organisations
- Current court role
- Judge on the International Court of Justice
- Current case noted
- A case in which Myanmar stands accused of genocide