The African Australian Advocacy Centre (AAAC) congratulates Judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on 9 October 2026, recognising Judge Pillay for her longstanding contribution to peace, international law and accountability. Nobel Peace Prize
For AAAC, this recognition carries particular meaning.
In 2025, Judge Pillay travelled to Sydney to receive the Sydney Peace Prize for her lifetime of work advancing human rights, justice and equality. AAAC participated as a community partner of the Sydney Peace Foundation during the 2025 Peace Week program. Sydney Peace Foundation
That connection gave members of the AAAC community an opportunity to engage with the work of one of the world’s most respected human-rights advocates.
A lifetime of justice
Born in South Africa under apartheid, Judge Pillay built a legal career confronting racial discrimination and defending fundamental rights.
Her international service later included the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the International Criminal Court and the role of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Her work at the Rwanda tribunal contributed to important developments in international criminal law, including recognition that sexual violence can constitute genocide and crimes against humanity.
Why this recognition matters to AAAC
Judge Pillay’s life demonstrates a principle central to AAAC’s work: peace cannot be separated from justice, dignity and accountability.
Her career also carries particular significance for communities whose experiences have been shaped by racism, displacement, conflict and exclusion.
For AAAC, advocacy means ensuring that community experience reaches the institutions and decisions that shape people’s lives. Judge Pillay’s career demonstrates what sustained commitment to human rights and the rule of law can achieve across generations and borders.
Congratulations, Judge Pillay
AAAC joins communities around the world in celebrating this recognition.
We congratulate Judge Navi Pillay on the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize and honour a lifetime devoted to justice, human dignity and peace.
— African Australian Advocacy Centre (AAAC)