Geneva — United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Friday expressed deep pride for the global human rights movement, warmly congratulating South African jurist Navi Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her lifelong dedication to defending the rights of others.
“This is a proud moment for the global human rights movement. I warmly congratulate Navi. To say it is well-deserved is an understatement,” Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told journalists in Geneva.
“At a time when human rights are under attack on so many fronts, including from those who wield enormous power, this award is particularly poignant,” the UN Human Rights chief added.
He noted that the prestigious award recognizes individuals around the world who dedicate their lives to defending human rights, often at great risk to their personal security.
Pillay, a South African of Tamil origin, served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014. She was the first Black woman to serve as a judge of the High Court of South Africa. Additionally, she has held prominent international roles, serving as a judge of the International Criminal Court and as the president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
Born and raised in Durban, South Africa’s third-largest city, Pillay attended the University of Natal, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in 1963 and her Bachelor of Law in 1965.
“This award to Navi Pillay is a recognition, a reaffirmation that human rights, the rule of law, justice, and accountability are fundamental to everything—to peace, security, and prosperity,” said Türk.
“She embodies international law, having served in many capacities both in South Africa and internationally, including as a judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice.”
Throughout her 28-year career as a lawyer in South Africa, which included the height of the apartheid era, Pillay defended anti-apartheid activists from various movements, including the African National Congress, the Unity Movement, the Black Consciousness Movement, and the Azapo.
“On behalf of all her colleagues at the UN Human Rights Office, thank you, Navi. You continue to inspire us and millions of others. We will prevail,” said Türk.
The Nobel Peace Prize is valued at 12 million Swedish crowns, approximately $1.2 million. The Nobel Committee will present the award in Oslo on December 10, 2026, marking the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who established the prizes.
