Navi Pillay, former UN human rights chief, wins Nobel Peace Prize

Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay, a South African jurist and former UN human rights chief, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited her career-long efforts to promote international law and justice, specifically noting the current pressure on global legal institutions. Pillay, 85, previously served as a judge for the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. The award has sparked significant controversy, primarily due to Pillay's recent leadership of a UN inquiry that accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. While supporters view the prize as a defense of the international legal system, critics and the Israeli government have condemned it as a validation of anti-Israel bias.

Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay, a South African jurist and former UN human rights chief, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited her career-long efforts to promote international law and justice, specifically noting the current pressure on global legal institutions. Pillay, 85, previously served as a judge for the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. The award has sparked significant controversy, primarily due to Pillay's recent leadership of a UN inquiry that accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. While supporters view the prize as a defense of the international legal system, critics and the Israeli government have condemned it as a validation of anti-Israel bias.