2026 Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Jurist Navanethem Pillay

The former UN human rights chief was awarded the prize for promoting peace and international law, amid scrutiny over her past criticism of Israel.

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded on Friday to South African jurist Navanethem (Navi) Pillay, ABC News and Japanese newspaper The Asahi Shimbun reported.

According to ABC News, the prize was conferred upon Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The Asahi Shimbun noted that Pillay previously served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Meanwhile, Arutz 7 reported that Pillay is known for statements critical of Israel, having previously accused the country of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.