Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her contributions to international justice and efforts to promote peace through international law, leaving US President Donald J. Trump without the coveted honour for another year.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on Friday, recognising Pillay’s longstanding work in defending human rights and strengthening international legal institutions.
Born in Durban, South Africa, Pillay began her legal career during the apartheid era, when she worked to advance the rights of disadvantaged communities. In 1967, she became the first woman to establish a law practice in South Africa’s Natal province. She later made history as the first non-white woman appointed to the country’s High Court.
Pillay went on to serve as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, later becoming its president for four years. She also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
She is also serving as an ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice in proceedings concerning allegations of genocide against Myanmar.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, citing what he describes as his contributions to resolving international conflicts. Ahead of Friday’s announcement, he said he believed he deserved the recognition but acknowledged uncertainty over the committee’s decision.
The US president has again missed out on the award, which has remained a subject of interest for him. In 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize and later presented her medal to Trump in a symbolic gesture. However, the award itself remained hers.
Established in 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize honours individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to peace. Previous recipients include Malala Yousafzai, Mother Teresa and former US president Barack Obama.
