South African jurist of Indian origin Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law, by ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted.Born into a family of Indian Tamil origin in apartheid-era Durban, South Africa, Pillay became a pioneering lawyer and jurist. She served on South Africa’s high court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the International Criminal Court and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. She also chaired the UN commission of inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and is a judge at the International Court of Justice in the case concerning allegations of genocide by Myanmar.Pillay played a significant role in landmark rulings recognising rape and sexual violence as possible acts of genocide and crimes against humanity, and in prosecuting incitement to genocide through propaganda.The Nobel Committee said her work underscores the importance of international law in resolving conflicts peacefully, holding powerful states and individuals accountable, and protecting victims. The award also serves as a warning against the weakening of international legal institutions and the ...