[MEDIA STATEMENT] Judge Navi Pillay on winning the Nobel Peace Prize

JUDGES MATTER MEDIA STATEMENT
9 October 2026

Judges Matter congratulates Judge Navi Pillay on winning the Nobel Peace Prize

Judges Matter congratulates Judge Navi Pillay on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This is a proud moment for South Africa and its legal profession.

Judge Pillay’s career began in a legal system designed to exclude her. At the Rwanda Tribunal, she was part of the bench that recognised rape as an act of genocide, changing how the law views violence against women in conflict. She took that same independence to the International Criminal Court and the United Nations.

Judges Matter head Alison Tilley said:

“The prize comes at a time when judges and courts are under pressure around the world. It is a reminder that the law depends on judges with the courage to apply it without fear or favour. South Africans should take from it a renewed commitment to appointing and protecting judges of that calibre.”

ENDS

For more information:

Alison Tilley
alison@judgesmatter.co.za
071 671 8654

Mbekezeli Benjamin
mbekezeli@judgesmatter.co.za
072 325 8661

Photo Credit: Fabrice Arlot