Navi Pillay becomes fifth South African to win Nobel Peace Prize
South African human rights jurist Navi Pillay has made history by winning the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, honoured for her lifelong fight for international justice and accountability.
The United Nations human rights office expressed delight upon learning that Navi Pillay, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been honored for her tireless efforts in championing human rights. Shabia Mantoo, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, conveyed her excitement to reporters in Geneva, emphasizing the need for more individuals to dedicate themselves to the cause.
Pillay previously served as the head of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and held a position as a judge at the International Criminal Court. In September, she unveiled a report by the UN Commission of Inquiry which concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and that prominent Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had incited these atrocities. The accusations made by Pillay were met with strong denial from Israel.
Mantoo hoped that Pillay's recent award would serve as an inspiration for others to continue speaking out in defense of and promotion of human rights globally.
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- Israel accuses Navi Pillay of promoting ‘genocide lie’ after Nobel recognition middleeasteye.net
- UN human rights office welcomes Nobel Prize winner Pillay as staunch defender of human rights dailymaverick.co.za
- UN human rights office welcomes Nobel Prize winner Pillay as staunch defender of human rights al-monitor.com
- ‘Justice is key to lasting peace’: ICC hails Nobel Peace Prize for Indian-origin human rights champion Navi Pillay hindustantimes.com
