Nobel Institute
ON THE RECORD · 15 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Her distinguished career reminds us of the need to support, fortify and expand the global rule of law. Navi Pillay’s commitment to justice and human dignity is a source of hope and inspiration to all who seek to bring about a more peaceful world.”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said Pillay's distinguished career reminds us of the need to support, fortify and expand the global rule of law.
“Navi Pillay’s commitment to universal legal principles and her firm moral compass are constants in a long career,”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute praised Navi Pillay's commitment to universal legal principles and her firm moral compass.
“has led the way towards a more comprehensive global legal order,”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said Pillay has led the way towards a more comprehensive global legal order.
“In historic international court cases, she has shown that legal measures can help prevent acts of war and violence,”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said Pillay has shown in historic international court cases that legal measures can help prevent acts of war and violence.
“has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted.”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said Pillay has been instrumental in ensuring war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted.
“Navi Pillay is one of the great defenders of international legal principles in our time,”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute called Navi Pillay one of the great defenders of international legal principles in our time.
“The Nobel Peace Prize for 2026 springs directly from Alfred Nobel’s will,”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize springs directly from Alfred Nobel's will.
“Navi Pillay has also contributed to strengthen the institutions of international law. Her independence, expertise and steadfastness have made her one of the most respected international jurists of our time.”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said Pillay has contributed to strengthen the institutions of international law and is one of the most respected international jurists of our time.
“In awarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wants to remind the world that the rule of law -- national and international -- underpins the system we have set up to ensure peace and resolve conflicts non-violently. Peace requires justice,”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said the award aims to remind the world that the rule of law underpins the system to ensure peace and resolve conflicts non-violently.
“for her efforts to promote peace and international law.”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2026 was awarded to Navanethem Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
“History has shown that a world operating without the rule of law is unjust, unwise and inhumane. The judges -- those who guard the thin red line between order and chaos -- are therefore highly deserving of our praise,”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said history has shown that a world without the rule of law is unjust, unwise and inhumane, and that judges are highly deserving of praise.
“with exceptional courage and integrity”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute described Pillay as a person with exceptional courage and integrity.
“But today, as these same judges are sanctioned, and their institutions are attacked, we need people of courage, vision and determination -- qualities that Navi Pillay demonstrates in her work on the bench.”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said judges are being sanctioned and their institutions attacked, and that people of courage, vision and determination are needed.
“Navi Pillay strengthens fraternity between nations and -- by systematically advancing the use of tribunals for peace and justice -- she provides substance, direction and motivation for peace conferences in their modern form.”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute said Pillay strengthens fraternity between nations and advances the use of tribunals for peace and justice.
“Born into a family of Indian Tamil origin under apartheid in Durban, South Africa, Pillay became a lawyer and legal pioneer, confronting deep structural discrimination, segregation and exclusion. A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the key international court cases of our time.”
Nobel Institute · said 2026-10-09 · reported 2026-10-09
The Nobel Institute recounted Pillay's background under apartheid in Durban and her career from defending Nelson Mandela to serving as a judge in key international court cases.