Why in News?
Former UN Human Rights Chief and International Court of Justice judge Navanethem (Navi) Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
She received the award for her efforts to promote peace and international law by ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide are prosecuted.
| UPSC Relevance: GS-1 Art and Culture: Nobel Prize Prelims: Nobel Peace Prize 2026 |
Key Career Milestones:
- Early Life & Anti-Apartheid Work: Born on September 23, 1941, in Durban, South Africa, to a Tamil family of Indian origin, she overcame apartheid-era segregation and defended anti-apartheid activists and political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela.
- National Judiciary: She became the first non-white woman to open a law practice in Natal and later served as the first Black woman judge on South Africa’s High Court.
- International Tribunals:
- Served as a judge and president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), where she helped establish that rape and sexual violence can constitute acts of genocide and crimes against humanity.
- Served as a judge on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- United Nations Leadership: Served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.
- Recent Roles: Chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and served as a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the genocide case concerning Myanmar.
About the Nobel Peace Prize:
- Origin: Established under Alfred Nobel’s will; first awarded in 1901.
- Selection: By the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee, whose members are selected by Norway’s Parliament.
- Eligibility: Can recognise individuals or organisations.
- Presentation: Held in Oslo, Norway, on 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Pillay’s recognition highlights the role of independent judicial institutions in protecting human dignity and making accountability a foundation of lasting peace.
Prelims Practice MCQ:
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Nobel Peace Prize:
1. Unlike the other Nobel Prizes, which are selected by Swedish committees, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a committee chosen by the Parliament of Norway.
2. The prize can be awarded to both individuals and organisations.
3. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has won the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times, making it one of the few organisations to receive the honour more than once.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
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