The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to former International Criminal Court judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on Friday for her work promoting peace and international law.
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said Pillay had played a key role in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted.
“Navi Pillay has been at the forefront of the development of international law for decades,” Frydnes said as he announced the laureate.
He highlighted her support for Nelson Mandela and prisoners held on Robben Island, as well as her involvement in major international court cases.
Navi Pillay’s work in peacemaking has centred on strengthening international justice, protecting human rights and ensuring accountability for serious crimes.
Born in Durban, South Africa, into a family of Indian Tamil origin during apartheid, she has held several prominent judicial and human rights positions throughout her career.
She served as a judge on South Africa’s High Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court. She was also United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014, advocating for the protection of civilians, vulnerable communities and the rule of law.
Through her work, Pillay has helped advance efforts to prosecute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, highlighting the importance of ending impunity and ensuring justice for victims of atrocities. Her contribution has reinforced the role of international law in preventing further violence and supporting lasting peace.
Nobel Peace Prize and recent controversies
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to an individual or organisation that, according to Alfred Nobel’s will, has done the most or best work for fraternity between nations. The laureate is selected by a committee elected by the Norwegian Parliament.
Last year’s prize went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela.
Machado later gave her prize to US President Donald Trump, a move that prompted discussion about the award’s status and whether it could be transferred. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has said the prize cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to another person.
Trump had openly campaigned for the award before Machado was announced as the winner. On Wednesday, he renewed his claim to the prize, saying he had settled eight wars.
Earlier this year, Trump also linked his push to take control of Greenland to what he described as being snubbed for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Previous Nobel Peace Prize laureates
Previous recipients include the Japanese anti-nuclear weapons organisation Nihon Hidankyo, as well as journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, who were recognised for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia, respectively.
Former US President Barack Obama is also among the prize’s past laureates.
In 2026, Nobel laureates receive a prize amount of 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately $1.2 million.
Also read: Anne Carson wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature
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