Oslo, Oct 9: South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay was named recipient of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in recognition of her lifelong advocacy for international human rights standards and peace. Announcing the honor in Oslo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised the 85-year-old jurist’s principled leadership throughout a career spanning defense work during apartheid to senior judicial appointments on global tribunals. Committee members noted that her efforts provided recourse for victims of violence while holding state institutions accountable.
The committee highlighted her historical achievements, drawing a line from her early defense of anti-apartheid activists to her recent work leading the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The laureate will formally receive the prize, valued at 12 million Swedish crowns, at an official ceremony in Oslo on December 10.
