By: Isuru Parakrama
October 13, Colombo (LNW): The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) has congratulated Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on receiving the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, recognising her decades of work in human rights, international justice and accountability for serious international crimes.
In a statement, the organisation highlighted Pillay’s efforts to keep allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Sri Lanka’s armed conflict on the international agenda.
It said her advocacy for an international investigation into alleged atrocities had been particularly significant for the Tamil community and those seeking justice for victims of the conflict.
Although accountability remains an unresolved issue for many survivors and their families, the GTF said the continued international attention surrounding these allegations offered hope to those pursuing truth and justice.
The organisation also reflected on Pillay’s distinguished legal career, from challenging apartheid in South Africa to serving as a lawyer, judge and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights between 2008 and 2014. It credited her contribution to strengthening international recognition of rape and sexual violence as crimes under international law, helping advance accountability for perpetrators and protection for survivors.
Recalling its engagements with Pillay and her officials during her tenure at the UN, the GTF said those interactions had reinforced its commitment to pursuing human rights and justice without discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or identity.
The statement also highlighted Pillay’s more recent work examining alleged atrocities in Gaza. The organisation viewed her involvement as an example of the importance of applying international legal principles consistently, regardless of the parties or countries concerned.
Against a backdrop of mounting pressure on international institutions, the GTF called for stronger support for bodies such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. It argued that effective international justice mechanisms remain essential to protecting human rights and ensuring accountability for serious violations.
The forum further expressed pride in Pillay’s Tamil heritage, describing her achievements as a source of inspiration for Tamil communities worldwide and demonstrating the contribution individuals of Tamil origin can make to global efforts for justice and equality.
Praising her continued commitment to human rights at the age of 85, the GTF said her career illustrated that the pursuit of justice extends beyond official positions and international honours.
The organisation concluded by wishing Pillay good health and expressing hope that her work would encourage future generations to uphold truth, dignity, equality and justice.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on 9 October that Pillay had won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
