(Stockholm, 9 October 2026) SIPRI congratulates Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay on the award of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, ‘for her efforts to promote peace and international law’.
‘In awarding the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to Judge Navi Pillay, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sent an extremely powerful message about the need to strengthen the rule of law as a pillar of peace and justice,’ said SIPRI Director Karim Haggag.
‘Throughout her long career, Navi Pillay has set a high moral example, speaking out and standing up for justice, accountability and the rule of law,’ said Haggag. ‘Given the different roles she has held, the award is also in a way recognizing the important institutions she represents.’
‘The award comes at a time when both the tenets and the institutions of international law are under attack, with powerful states resorting to power politics and transactionalism, ignoring international law and even threatening international legal institutions,’ said Haggag.
‘The Committee’s decision also draws attention to the terrible humanitarian consequences, particularly for civilians, when states ignore the constraints imposed by international law. In many of today’s conflicts we see the increasing targeting of civilians and use of collective punishment. By giving the prize to Navi Pillay, the Committee sends an urgent symbolic message about the need to push back against these very worrying trends.’
‘We hope that awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay will remind world leaders of the primacy of international law as a way of ensuring international peace and security—and send a message of support and solidarity to the many brave people who work to uphold it.’
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