Nobel Peace Prize Goes to Former ICC Judge
The United States imposed new sanctions on the international body in response.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) judge Navi Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. The South African-born jurist has spent decades involved in significant human rights cases, including defending anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela. Despite her extensive career, her award has sparked controversy from Israel and the United States, who criticized her role in a UN panel that found Israel responsible for genocide in Gaza.
Pillay, 85, has been a judge on South Africa's High Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the International Criminal Court, as well as serving as U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. She led an investigation into Israel's actions in Gaza, concluding that the actions met the criteria for genocide and that Israeli authorities at the highest levels were responsible.
The United States has imposed new sanctions on the ICC in response. Pillay addressed her critics by emphasizing that the rule of law is essential for peace and conflict resolution.
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