<\/p>\n
By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani<\/p>\n
UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres has hailed the award of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, describing her as a courageous defender of justice.<\/p>\n
Guterres said Pillay\u2019s decades of service demonstrated that international law and human rights must prevail over oppression, injustice and the arbitrary exercise of power.<\/p>\n
The UN chief made the remarks in a congratulatory statement issued on Friday by his Spokesperson, St\u00e9phane Dujarric, at UN Headquarters in New York.<\/p>\n
\u201cI warmly congratulate Navanethem \u2018Navi\u2019 Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize,\u201d Guterres said.<\/p>\n
He described the South African jurist as a steadfast and independent advocate of justice who had helped shape some of the most consequential international legal proceedings.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor decades, she has been a champion of international law and human rights, and a steadfast, independent voice of justice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Guterres recalled Pillay\u2019s early legal career in apartheid-era South Africa, where she defended Nelson Mandela and others who challenged institutionalised racial discrimination.<\/p>\n
He said her commitment to justice continued through her distinguished career as an international judge and human rights advocate.<\/p>\n
Pillay subsequently served as a judge and President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), established to prosecute those responsible for the 1994 genocide.<\/p>\n
Guterres commended Pillay\u2019s contributions to the tribunal\u2019s work, including proceedings arising from atrocities committed during the Rwandan genocide.<\/p>\n
He also highlighted her tenure as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, during which she advocated stronger international protection for fundamental freedoms.<\/p>\n
Pillay served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014, addressing human rights concerns across conflict-affected and politically divided societies.<\/p>\n
The Secretary-General also acknowledged her leadership of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.<\/p>\n
Guterres said Pillay\u2019s career reflected a consistent conviction that the rule of law must guide international relations and protect vulnerable populations.<\/p>\n
He praised her demonstration that \u201cthe force of law must prevail over the law of force.\u201d<\/p>\n
The UN chief maintained that protecting human rights remained one of the strongest safeguards against injustice, conflict and the abuse of power.<\/p>\n
He also welcomed the Nobel Committee\u2019s emphasis on the importance of lasting principles in building sustainable peace.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn its citation, the Nobel Committee reminded the world that peace must be built on lasting principles, not the will of the powerful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Guterres said the recognition extended beyond Pillay\u2019s individual achievements to everyone working to defend international law and human dignity.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s prize is a tribute to all those working to uphold and defend international law, the rule of law and human rights,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He stressed that lasting peace required accountability, justice and respect for fundamental freedoms rather than reliance on political or military power.<\/p>\n
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organisations recognised for outstanding contributions to peace and international cooperation.<\/p>\n
Guterres said the award underscored the enduring importance of justice, accountability and human dignity in securing lasting international peace.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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