Nobel Committee Awards Pillay Prize

The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay on October 9, 2026.

Award Citation

The committee cited her efforts to promote peace and international law, recognizing work advancing accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

UN Watch Criticism

UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer condemned Pillay, accusing her of bias against Israel and defending antisemitic remarks by a fellow commissioner.

Pillay's Role in Gaza Inquiry

Pillay chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory from 2021 to 2025, concluding genocide in Gaza.

Israel Rejects Findings

Israel rejected the commission's genocide conclusion, while the Nobel committee stated an international court must decide whether Israel's actions constitute genocide.

Pillay Defends Report

Pillay defended the report's work after the award announcement, asking why courage is needed to speak the truth.

“Why would you need courage to speak the truth?”