Navi Pillay’s video, posted by Amnesty International’s Secretary‑General on X, shows her amid applause in Nuremberg after the Nobel committee announced the award. She quipped, “If you clap a little more I may share this prize with Trump,” and laughed that her first reaction was disbelief. The 85‑year‑old insists she wants to verify the news before accepting it.
Pillay, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, led the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Gaza, whose 2023 report concluded that genocide was occurring there. She has long been a vocal advocate for accountability in conflict zones, and her work on the Gaza report earned her international acclaim. The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded for her relentless pursuit of justice, follows her decades‑long career fighting for human rights.
In her statement, Pillay praised the courage shown by those who published the Gaza report, noting that many had expected her to remain silent. She added that the recognition had come as a surprise, but she was ready to accept the honor. Her light‑hearted comment about Trump was a playful nod to the public’s reaction to her award.
The prize package includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash award of $1.2 million. The formal ceremony will take place in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896. The event will bring together laureates, royalty, and dignitaries from around the world.
Pillay has indicated she will attend the Oslo ceremony and hopes to use the platform to highlight ongoing violations of international law. A statement from her office confirms she will speak on the importance of human rights in the post‑war era before the award is presented.