Summary
Former judge Navi Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting peace and international law, including efforts to hold war criminals accountable. Her selection sparked strong criticism from Israel and its supporters because she chaired a U.N. inquiry that accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel denies.
Key Facts
- Navi Pillay is an 85-year-old South African jurist and former U.N. human rights chief.
- She has served as a judge on major international courts, including the International Criminal Court.
- The Nobel Committee awarded her the prize for her long career supporting peace and international law.
- Pillay chaired a U.N. Commission of Inquiry that said Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
- Israel strongly rejects the genocide accusation and called the Nobel decision disgraceful.
- Israeli officials and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League criticized Pillay for allegedly promoting antisemitism.
- U.N. officials praised the award as support for upholding human rights and international justice.
- Pillay herself referenced the Gaza genocide finding during her Nobel acceptance speech.
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