Kathmandu. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has announced that the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded to Navanetham “Navi” Pillay. The Nobel Prize committee said that 86-year-old Pillay has been awarded this prize in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of international law, the protection of human rights and the strengthening of the global justice system.

Pillay started her career by advocating for leaders including Nelson Mandela in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Indian-origin Pillay has served as a judge on the International Criminal Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the High Court of South Africa.

During her time at the Rwanda Tribunal, she defined rape and sexual violence as crimes against humanity and genocide. She has also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She is currently serving as a judge at the International Court of Justice in a genocide case against Myanmar.