Navi Pillay awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to justice

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Navi Pillay, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in recognition of her longstanding commitment to peace, justice and the protection of international law.

Born in South Africa, 85-year-old Pillay has dedicated herself to protecting human dignity and creating a society in which justice is equal for all, rather than a privilege reserved for the powerful.

Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said the world was facing an increase in the number of wars and conflicts, while judges and international justice institutions were facing political pressure.

“We live in a time when the number of wars and conflicts is increasing and when judges and institutions of international law are facing political attacks. The Nobel Committee wishes to remind us that the ability to resolve conflicts without using force or violence depends on respect for the rule of law at the international level,” Frydnes said.

According to the Nobel Committee’s assessment, peace is not limited merely to the absence of armed clashes. It is also connected to preserving human dignity, taking responsibility for injustices, listening to victims and guaranteeing a fairer future for societies.

Among the other names mentioned as candidates for this year’s prize were Pope Leo, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

In 2026, the prize comes with 12 million Swedish kronor, an amount estimated at around 1.2 million dollars.