Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, a South African jurist born into a Tamil family, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law. Her career spans landmark human rights cases, international criminal tribunals and six years as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on Friday. Pillay will receive a medal, a diploma and 12 million Swedish kronor in prize money at a ceremony in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
