Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Navi Pillay Wins Nobel Peace Prize, South African Envoy Says
Navi Pillay, a South African jurist, has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
She is the first South African woman to receive it.
The prize recognizes her work for peace and international law.
Earlier in her career, she defended people who opposed apartheid.
She later became a judge in South Africa and held important jobs at international courts and the United Nations.
South African diplomat Anil Sooklal celebrated her achievement.
He said her story sends a strong message about human rights and the rule of law.
He also said the award shows that important leaders can come from Africa and the Global South.
South African High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal praised Navi Pillay after she won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
Pillay is the fifth South African and the first South African woman to receive the Peace Prize.
The Nobel Committee cited her efforts to promote peace and international law.
Pillay defended anti-apartheid activists, served as a South African High Court judge, and held senior international judicial and UN roles.
Sooklal said the award highlights the importance of human rights, fundamental freedoms, international law, and multilateralism.
- Who
- Navi Pillay, a South African jurist, and Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India.
- What
- Pillay won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, and Sooklal praised the award and its significance.
- When
- The announcement and Sooklal's comments were reported on Friday; the prize is the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
- Where
- Sooklal spoke to IANS in New Delhi; Pillay is from Durban, South Africa.
- Why
- The Nobel Committee recognized Pillay's efforts to promote peace and international law.
- Prize
- 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
- Recipient
- Navanethem “Navi” Pillay
- Recognition
- Efforts to promote peace and international law
- South African distinction
- Fifth South African laureate and first South African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize
- Diplomat commenting
- Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India
- Past international roles
- Pillay served at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, as a judge at The Hague, and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.