Navanethem “Navi” Pillay of South Africa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced. The committee cited her work advancing international law as a tool for peace and justice, particularly her role in elevating sexual violence as a crime against humanity during the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
Pillay, a veteran human rights advocate, has spent decades championing accountability for atrocities, including her efforts against apartheid in South Africa and her tenure at the International Criminal Court. The committee’s motivation underscored her contributions to securing justice for victims of brutality and dictatorship.
Reactions to the award have been mixed. A Polish human rights activist and Nobel laureate, Aleś Bialacki, praised Pillay’s long-standing commitment, stating she “has worked for many years in the defense of human rights on the international stage” and “fought against apartheid,” adding that her example inspires continued efforts for global justice .
Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet noted the committee’s emphasis on Pillay’s work in addressing wartime sexual violence, calling it a “worthy achievement” . Meanwhile, some critics, including Portuguese commentator Alberto Gonçalves, questioned the selection, alleging Pillay’s record includes what they describe as leniency toward certain regimes and causes .
