October 2026
The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) warmly congratulates Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her contributions to promoting peace and international law.
Pillay has displayed an unwavering commitment to human rights, equality, accountability and the rule of law throughout her career commencing from her time as a human rights lawyer under apartheid in South Africa, as a judge of international courts, and as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The award is recognition of her longstanding dedication to upholding the dignity and rights of all people, without discrimination.
This award being made to Navi Pillay, is specifically relevant to Sri Lanka given her significant contribution to the international human rights discourse. Her seven-day visit to the country in August 2013, during her tenure as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, brought renewed international attention to concerns regarding accountability for past violations, the treatment of human rights defenders, freedom of expression, and the protection of minorities. Her steadfast insistence that lasting peace requires truth, justice and accountability remain important to the country’s continuing efforts to address its past and build a democratic and inclusive future.
CPA remains deeply moved by her dedication of the award to all survivors of international crime and recalls the empathy for Sri Lankans conveyed in the following words articulated at the end of her mission.
“I would like to pay my respects to all Sri Lankans, across the country, who were killed during those three decades of conflict, and offer my heartfelt sympathy to their families, all of whom – no matter who they are –share one thing: they have lost someone they can never replace. I have met many people during this visit whose relatives or spouses – both civilians and soldiers –are known to have been killed, or who are missing and may well be dead.
It is important everyone realizes that, although the fighting is over, the suffering is not.”
CPA recognises the importance of Pillay’s principled engagement with Sri Lanka at a time when the pursuit of justice and accountability remained deeply contested. Her work underscored a fundamental principle: that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through silence or impunity, but must be grounded in respect for human rights, credible accountability processes, and the equal protection of the law.
The award is also significant to the work of international institutions, mechanisms and human rights defenders in addressing violations, supporting victims, and speaking out for universal standards of justice. At a time when the world faces growing challenges for work on human rights, Pillay’s career reaffirms the importance of defending the rule of law and ensuring that no individual or state is beyond accountability.
CPA extends its warm congratulations to Navi Pillay on this richly deserved recognition, and hopes that this award will further strengthen global efforts to advance human rights and justice, including in Sri Lanka, where the needs of victims, survivors and communities pursuing accountability, redress and lasting reconciliation, remain to be fulfilled.