"Nobel Peace Prize highlights the importance of international law"

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law. According to Associate Professor Nobuo Hayashi, the award comes at a time when international law and its institutions are facing growing pressure.

“I think she is a very good and inspiring choice for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. She is one of the towering figures in international law”, says Nobuo Hayashi, Associate Professor in International Law at the Swedish Defence University.

Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has devoted much of her career to promoting human rights and international justice. She has served as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court, as well as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

International law under pressure

The award comes at a time of growing challenges to international law. International courts are dealing with several major conflicts, while their authority and independence are increasingly being questioned.

“International law has survived greater existential threats in the past, including the two world wars. But one could be forgiven for feeling that it is currently undergoing a stress test of a similar magnitude”, says Nobuo Hayashi.

According to Nobuo Hayashi, Pillay’s long career and contributions across different areas of international law make her a particularly fitting choice.

“She symbolises perseverance in the face of adversity and a life spent in service of those who are vulnerable.”

A landmark ruling on genocide

One of Pillay’s most significant contributions to international law was her role as a judge in the 1998 Akayesu case at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

The judgment helped clarify the legal definition of genocide and established that sexual violence can constitute an act of genocide. It remains an important reference in international criminal law today.

Can international courts contribute to peace?

The Nobel Peace Prize also raises a broader question: Can international courts help end wars?

According to Nobuo Hayashi, courts alone cannot stop armed conflicts. However, international law establishes common rules for how states should act and provides ways to hold those responsible for violations accountable.

“International courts have a role to play in maintaining international peace, absolutely, though they do not play a central or even a major role”, says Nobuo Hayashi.

International courts often become involved after serious violations have already occurred. Their contribution lies in clarifying legal obligations, establishing accountability and providing justice for victims.

“By awarding Pillay the Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee draws attention to a vital but often overlooked aspect of peace - the importance of justice and the rule of law”, says Nobuo Hayashi.