President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated veteran South African jurist Justice Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
In a statement on Friday, the President said the recognition was a tribute to Pillay’s courage, integrity and lifelong commitment to justice.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee honoured Pillay for her contribution to strengthening international law and ensuring accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
The committee described her as “a person who, with exceptional courage and integrity, has led the way towards a more comprehensive legal order. This year’s laureate has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted.”
President Ramaphosa said Justice Pillay’s crowning of the Nobel Prize laureate allows the country to celebrate her progressive contributions to strengthen peace, uphold human dignity and bring hope to South Africa and peoples globally.
“She has served humanity with principle and the belief that the world can and should be a better place,” he said.
Pillay is an ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice, where she distinguished herself in the genocide case of The Gambia v Myanmar.
Her legal career also includes serving as a pioneering defence attorney for anti-apartheid activists and leaders, including former President Nelson Mandela.
She served as a judge and President of the Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda from 1999 to 2003 before becoming a judge of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court, a position she held from 2003 to 2008.
Following her tenure at the International Criminal Court, Pillay served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
President Ramaphosa said the honour underscored the importance of building a society in which everyone could realise their potential and contribute to the country and the world.
“The honour bestowed on her reminds us to build a society where every person, whatever their circumstances, can develop their abilities and contribute fully to our nation and the world.
“We are proud that Justice Pillay joins Chief Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Mandela and Former President FW de Klerk in highlighting the far-reaching impact of South Africans on peace, justice and the advancement of humanity.
“We congratulate Justice Pillay and wish her well as she continues to participate in various platforms to secure the rights and dignity of all people,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
