South African human rights lawyer Navi Pillay, winner of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, arrives at a news conference in Geneva on June 18, 2025. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption i Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images South African human rights lawyer Navi Pillay won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace, rights human rights and international law. The 85-year-old former UN human rights chief was recognized for her contributions to international justice and her work inspiring hope among those fighting for a more peaceful world. Pillay has played key roles in international justice, serving at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court. He also chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. “At a time when the number of wars and conflicts is increasing, and when judges and institutions of international law are under political attack, the Nobel Committee wishes to remember that the ability to resolve conflicts without force or violence depends on the rule of international law,” the committee said in a press release. This year’s Nobel Peace Prize attracted 287 nominations, including individuals and organizations. The prize is worth 12 million Swedish crowns, approximately $1.2 million. The 2026 award marks the 125th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize, first awarded in 1901. This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
