OSLO: South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, 85, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday.
Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes said the award recognises Pillay’s work at a time when wars and conflicts are increasing and international legal institutions face political pressure.
In its announcement, the committee stressed that resolving conflicts without violence depends on upholding international law and ensuring accountability for war crimes and justice for victims of abuse.
The committee received 287 nominations for this year’s prize, including individuals and organisations.
Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for her efforts to promote democratic change in Venezuela.