Nobel peace prize winner Pillay dedicates award to ‘survivors of international crimes’

Navi Pillay, the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize laureate from South Africa, dedicated her prestigious award to "survivors of international crimes" during a press conference. The 85-year-old judge, who currently presides over a case against Myanmar for genocide, delivered her statement in the historic Nuremberg courtroom where trials against Nazi leaders were held after World War II.

Pillay emphasized the importance of respecting international legal institutions, stating, "Let me dedicate this award to all of the survivors of international crimes." She denounced attacks on these institutions, particularly the International Criminal Court (ICC), which U.S. President Donald Trump recently called for to disassociate from.

"This worsening reality is particularly visible with the attacks on the International Criminal Court," Pillay lamented. Her dedication to upholding international law is evident in her previous roles, including presiding over the Rwanda genocide tribunal and leading a UN commission that accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel rejected as "distorted and false."