The Norwegian Nobel Committee described the award, ” to a person who with exceptional courage and integrity has led the way towards a more comprehensive global legal order. This year’s laureate has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted.”

In a statement released by the Nobel Committee it said:

“Navi Pillay served as a judge on the High Court in South Africa, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court. She was the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and, until recently, she chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Today Navi Pillay is a judge on the International Court of Justice in the case where Myanmar stands accused of genocide.”

In 2025 Navi Pillay, as Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, told the General Assembly Third Committee, at UN Headquarters in New York :

“Last month, we published a legal analysis of Israel’s conduct in the Gaza Strip pursuant to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

“We concluded that the State of Israel is responsible for the commission of four genocidal acts in Gaza with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, as such.

“The Commission also found that the Israeli President, Prime Minister and former Defence Minister have incited the commission of genocide. A summary of these findings is included in the report presented to you today.”

She continued:

“Genocide is one of the most heinous international crimes. It destroys in whole or in part groups of people based on race, ethnicity, nationality or religion. It not only erases the identity of the group, but it leaves behind intergenerational trauma that causes permanent scars on humanity.

“It pains me that, on my last presentation as Chair of this Commission, the post-World War II multi-lateral system has failed to prevent this genocide. The international system has been found wanting.”

And on the settler violence in The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, she said:

“Israeli policies and actions implemented since October 2023 – including explicit and implicit support for criminal actions of violent settlers – demonstrate clear intent to forcibly transfer Palestinians, expand Israeli Jewish civilian presence and annex the majority of the West Bank. The purpose is to prevent any potential Palestinian self-determination and statehood and maintain an indefinite occupation.

Today, Saturday 10 October campaigners in Orkney will stand in vigil on the Kirk Green, outside St Magnus Cathedral, Broad Street, Kirkwall between 1 and 2pm with their ‘Peace and Justice’ banner. Today they will be wearing black to remember all those who have been killed both on and after 7 October 2023. Part of the vigil will be in silence. The organisers are encouraging anyone who wishes to attend to bring with them symbols of Peace.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee stressed the importance of international law and Navi Pillay’s work in this respect.

“Navi Pillay has also contributed to strengthen the institutions of international law. Her independence, expertise and steadfastness have made her one of the most respected international jurists of our time.

“At a time of existential challenges – including more wars and conflicts than the world has seen in a long time – international law is no longer just a supplement to peace and security. It is an absolute necessity.

“And yet, the system of international law is under tremendous pressure, and its institutions are under attack. We see a shift towards power politics at the expense of legal frameworks and global respect for law and justice. Whenever might overtakes right, it undermines stability, trust and peaceful co-existence.

“In awarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wants to remind the world that the rule of law – national and international – underpins the system we have set up to ensure peace and resolve conflicts non-violently. Peace requires justice.”

“Navi Pillay is one of the great defenders of international legal principles in our time. Her distinguished career reminds us of the need to support, fortify and expand the global rule of law. Navi Pillay’s commitment to justice and human dignity is a source of hope and inspiration to all who seek to bring about a more peaceful world. – Norwegian Nobel Committee.

The vigils in Orkney have been taking place for 3 years. The Orkney News has documented the work of the campaigners at the vigils and through other events they have organised for Peace and Justice for the Palestinian People. They invite all those who wish to see a permanent ceasefire, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, to join with them in vigil this Saturday when their thoughts will be for all those who have died on and since 7 October 2023.

Fiona Grahame.