Nobel Peace Prize 2026 goes to Navi Pillay, South African lawyer who helped establish rape as an act of genocide

Oslo, October 9 — South African lawyer Navi Pillay, who played a pivotal role in recognizing rape as an act of genocide under international law, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the prestigious honor today, acknowledging the 85-year-old Pillay's decades-long commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights and promoting international justice.

Born in Durban, South Africa, in 1941, Pillay's career began under apartheid, where she defended anti-apartheid activists and challenged discriminatory conditions. She later became the first black woman High Court judge in South Africa, before serving as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, where she helped establish that rape and sexual violence could constitute genocide under international law.

Her subsequent roles as a judge at the International Criminal Court and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights further cemented her influence on advancing justice and accountability for grave crimes. Pillay's contributions have been recognized globally, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize, which comes with a monetary award of 12 million Swedish kronor.