ICTJ warmly welcomes the recognition of Navanethem “Navi” Pillay as the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and expresses its deep appreciation for her lifelong commitment to human rights, international law, and justice for victims of international crimes.
A distinguished South African jurist, Pillay served as a judge of the International Criminal Court, as president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She was also the first non-white woman to be appointed a judge on the High Court of South Africa. Throughout her career, she has been a tireless defender of human rights and advocate for justice for the gravest international crimes.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized her “efforts to promote peace and international law,” and praised her for demonstrating that legal measures can help prevent acts of war and violence. For ICTJ, this recognition sends a powerful message to victims of international crimes and underscores the essential role of justice, accountability, and the rule of law in building a more peaceful world.
ICTJ Deputy Executive Director and Director of Programs Anna Myriam Roccatello was in Nuremberg when Pillay learned of the announcement. Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Roccatello said:
"Today, sitting in Court Room 600 of the Nuremberg Tribunal, exactly 80 years and nine days after the historic sentencing of the Nazi commanders, I witnessed history. The significance of this award to this person cannot be understated.
In this historical moment, where the power of the law is being forcibly replaced by the power of might, and where the very principles of the Nuremberg Academy appear to fade, the choice made by the Nobel Committee provides a measure of encouragement and, finally, a strong political message.
By recognizing a steadfast defender of human rights and justice, an international judge, and a woman, the committee has shown what we all need today: active resistance, a rejection of false values, and a defense of the rule of law and the universality of human rights.
But we must do more. We cannot effectively preserve the gains made through 80 years of slow, laborious struggle without demanding more. Victims of gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law need and deserve much more. We must all demand better: more justice, more effective remedies, and a more holistic approach to justice and equality. Because violations of human rights do not happen to “others.” An atrocity crime, a violation of life and freedom, and a negation of dignity affect us all. All humanity is impacted."
At a time when international law and the institutions established to uphold it face mounting challenges, this recognition is a powerful reminder that justice is indispensable to peace. ICTJ celebrates Navi Pillay’s extraordinary contribution and reaffirms its commitment to standing alongside victims of massive human rights violations and advancing justice for the harm they have suffered.
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PHOTO: Navi Pillay, serving as chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, briefs reporters on the commission's first report in June 2022. (UN Photo/Jean Marc Ferré)
