The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on Friday, 9 October, praising Pillay for her courage, integrity and contributions to strengthening international justice.
Born in Durban, South Africa, in 1941, to a family of Indian Tamil origin, Pillay built a distinguished legal career during and after the apartheid era. Her early work included defending Nelson Mandela and others who opposed racial discrimination.
She later served as a judge on South Africa’s High Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court. She also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.
Pillay played a significant role in advancing international criminal justice, including legal recognition that rape and sexual violence can constitute crimes against humanity and genocide in certain circumstances.
From 2021 to 2025, she chaired a United Nations commission of inquiry examining the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. The commission’s findings on Gaza have been strongly disputed by Israeli authorities.
The Nobel Committee said the award recognises Pillay’s contribution to promoting accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, as well as strengthening respect for international law.
The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is scheduled to take place in Oslo, Norway, on 10 December.
Pillay’s award highlights the continuing international debate over human rights, accountability and the role of international legal institutions in efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Khalil Ibrahim Yaro
Experienced journalist, Editor in Chief and media professional with a strong background in field reporting, investigative journalism, Editorial production, interviewing, research, digital media and newsroom coordination.
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