Navi Pillay named winner of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

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

Born in South Africa, Pillay is 85 years old and has stood out throughout her career for defending human dignity. She has consistently supported the idea that justice should be equal for everyone and not a privilege reserved only for the powerful.

Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said that the world is facing a growing number of wars and conflicts, while judges and institutions of international justice are coming under political attack.

“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.

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

The financial value of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize is 12 million Swedish kronor, an amount equal to approximately $1.2 million.

The decision comes at a time when wars continue to claim victims and respect for justice is frequently called into question. In this context, peace is seen not only as the absence of conflict, but also as a guarantee of human dignity, accountability for violations and every victim’s right to be heard.