SA lawyers John Dugard and Navi Pillay to receive 2026 Olof Palme Prize for human rights advocacy

TWO distinguished South African international lawyers, Professor John Dugard and Judge Navanethem (Navi) Pillay, will receive the 2026 Olof Palme Prize for their lifelong dedication to human rights and international justice.

Their work spans from anti-apartheid activism to prosecuting crimes against humanity on the global stage

This award celebrates their exceptional contributions to the defence of fundamental human rights during a time of increasing global uncertainty and state-sanctioned violations of international law.

A statement on The Olaf Palme Memorial Fund said: "At a time when states violate international law by committing crimes against humanity resulting in death, starvation and threats to human life and dignity, those who act against these crimes deserve to be honored. Especially when those like Dugard and Pillay have systematically collected the evidence and done so with such precision that the foundation has been laid for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice." 

The ANC congratulated Pillay and Dugard as being "two of South Africa’s outstanding luminaries, erudite scholars and champions of human rights".

In a statement, the party said this was no ordinary award but an honour to esteemed personalities involved in the struggles for justice and a free world based on human rights, equality and most importantly, a universal justice system founded on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Charter and international law and in recognition of their lifelong commitment to justice.

"An anti-apartheid activist, Dr Pillay’s life and history are embedded in the liberation struggle, rising through the ranks and serving in many capacities until her appointment as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as a judge and president of international criminal tribunals to prosecute crimes against humanity. She served the international criminal justice and human rights system with distinction.

"In addition to other roles, she presided over the United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which found Israel in breach of international law and human rights violations.

"Professor John Dugard is a distinguished and leading scholar of international law, a champion for human rights and the founding director of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies. He played a significant role in shaping human rights law in South Africa and the world." 

The ANC said the award was aptly timed for the 30th anniversary of South Africa's democratic Constitution, founded on a culture of human rights, and was intrinsically linked to the country’s respect for human rights.

"With a world mired in wars, human suffering, inequality, hunger and other social ills, they fly the South African flag high with pride, representing a commitment to a global order based on peace, justice and reparations, and to an immediate end to conflict for peaceful co-existence, tolerance and human dignity. We congratulate them on their achievements." 

The Olof Palme Prize is an annual Swedish award honoring individuals or organisations for outstanding contributions to human rights, peace, democracy, anti-racism, and international understanding, continuing the legacy of former Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, who was assassinated in 1986. Awarded by the Olof Palme Memorial Fund, it recognises significant work in these fields, often supporting activists and movements globally. 

The award ceremony is expected to be held in Stockholm. A date had not been confirmed at the time of print. 

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