Navi Pillay, the South African lawyer and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was announced as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize on 9 October 2026. According to The Guardian, the Norwegian Nobel Committee recognised her contribution to strengthening the institutions of international law and using legal means to prevent war and violence.
In its citation, quoted by the newspaper, the committee emphasised the importance of the rule of law both within countries and in relations between them, describing it as a foundation for resolving conflicts peacefully. The award to Pillay thus highlights the role of law and international institutions in safeguarding peace.
Dispute over UN commission findings
Pillay chaired the UN’s independent commission of inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory. According to The Guardian, the commission concluded in a September 2025 report that Israel’s actions in Gaza constituted acts of genocide, identifying a specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza. This was a finding by a UN commission, not a final court judgment.
Israel rejected the report, accusing the commission of bias. The Israeli foreign ministry also criticised the decision to award Pillay the Nobel Peace Prize. Opposition to the award is therefore linked to the earlier dispute over the assessment of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, meanwhile, welcomed the award, pointing to Pillay’s contribution to building peace and protecting human dignity.
