Navi Pillay, the South African jurist and international law expert, joked about sharing her Nobel Peace Prize with US President Donald Trump after receiving applause following the announcement of the award. Pillay made the remark during a gathering in Nuremberg, Germany, where she was congratulated on the recognition. A video of the moment, shared on X by the Secretary General of Amnesty International, captured her light-hearted response to the audience.
“If you clap a little bit more I may share this prize with Trump,” Pillay said, drawing attention to the US president in a humorous reference. Her comment came amid continued international discussion surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize and its recipients. The remark was made in a celebratory setting and did not constitute a formal announcement about sharing the award.
Pillay also revealed that her initial reaction to hearing the news was disbelief. The 85-year-old said that, given her professional background as a lawyer and judge, she wanted to verify the announcement before accepting it as true. Her response reflected the surprise she felt at receiving one of the world's most prominent honours for contributions to peace and human rights.
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The jurist referred to her work leading the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which investigates alleged violations of international law. The commission operates independently and does not speak on behalf of the United Nations as a whole. Pillay highlighted its report on Gaza, which concluded that genocide was occurring in the territory, as one of her recent major contributions to international human rights work.
Pillay said she had been surprised by the response to the report, particularly the praise she received for her courage in addressing the situation. She questioned why speaking the truth should require courage, underscoring her belief in the responsibility of legal professionals and investigators to address serious allegations. Her comments reflected the broader challenges faced by those documenting alleged violations of international law in conflict zones.
The Nobel Peace Prize includes a gold medal, a diploma and a monetary award of approximately $1.2 million. The formal presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel in 1896. Pillay's recognition places renewed attention on her career in international justice and human rights, including her work on investigations into alleged abuses and accountability for violations of international law.
Also Read: 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Honours Navi Pillay For Advancing Global Justice And Upholding International Law