Civilians in Israel, civilians in Gaza, children on both sides have a right to live. These words from Navi Pillay, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, capture the spirit of her lifelong struggle for human dignity. In a world torn apart by wars and violence, her message is simple: every human life matters and no one should be denied justice because of their identity or nationality.

“Navi” Pillay, a South African jurist of Indian origin, has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law. Her recognition brings global attention to a woman who has spent decades fighting racial discrimination, defending political prisoners and helping strengthen international justice. Her life shows that the fight for peace begins with the protection of human rights. Born in Durban, South Africa, on 23 September 1941, Pillay grew up in a modest family. Her father was a bus driver, while her mother looked after their eight children. Her grandfather had migrated from Tamil Nadu to South Africa as an indentured labourer.

The family faced financial difficulties, and the racial discrimination of the apartheid era made life harder for people of Indian origin and Black South Africans. Pillay refused to let these barriers determine her future. She studied law at the University of Natal and, in 1967, opened her own legal practice. At a time when racial discrimination shaped almost every aspect of life in South Africa, she stood beside those who challenged the system. She defended anti-apartheid activists and political prisoners and spoke out against the ill-treatment of people in custody.

For Pillay, the law was not simply a profession. It was........

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