The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) welcomes the awarding of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, recognising her groundbreaking contributions to advancing human rights, gender equality and international justice.
Paris, The Hague, 9 October 2026. From her fight against apartheid in South Africa to serving as a judge at international courts, and as United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Pillay has played a leading role in advancing justice for victims of grave human rights violations. Her career reflects an unwavering commitment to equality, the rule of law, and the fight against impunity.
As an anti-apartheid lawyer, Pillay defended Nelson Mandela and other opponents of apartheid, becoming the first woman to establish a law practice in Natal in 1967. Following the end of apartheid, she became the first woman of colour to serve on South Africa’s High Court and contributed to the equality clause of the country’s post-apartheid Constitution. In 1992, she co-founded Equality Now, an international organisation dedicated to advancing women’s rights and challenging discriminatory laws.
Her contribution to international justice has been equally significant. As a judge and later President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), she served on the Trial Chamber that delivered the landmark 1998 Akayesu judgment, which established that rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute acts of genocide. She was later elected as one of the inaugural judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC), and served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.
“Navi Pillay has dedicated her career to defending human rights, fighting impunity and strengthening international justice,” declared Alexis Deswaef, president of FIDH. “At a time when those who uphold international law are increasingly under attack, this award is a powerful reminder that justice is essential to peace, and that those who defend it must be protected.“
More recently, Pillay chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. In its September 2025 report, the Commission concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. She also serves as a judge ad hoc at the International Court of Justice in the case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar concerning allegations of genocide against the Rohingya.
At a time when international justice and human rights defenders face growing attacks, awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay sends a strong message to those targeting and undermining the international justice ecosystem. FIDH hopes that this award will help strengthen the global commitment to human rights, equality and survivor-centred accountability for the gravest international crimes.
