The Nobel Peace Prize strengthens the international legal order, believes YS
The Nobel Peace Prize in 2026 will be awarded to Navi Pilay. YS congratulates the winner and believes that this year's prize strengthens the international legal order at a time when fundamental rights are under pressure. - This is both a courageous and significant prize, state YS leader Hans-Erik Skjæggerud and deputy leader Lizzie Ruud Thorkildsen. Photo: Thomas Brun/NTB Communications
The international legal order consists of rules and institutions that are intended to protect fundamental, shared global values. Throughout her adult life, Pillay has worked to defend, protect and develop international law.
– In a dramatic time, when fundamental rights are under pressure, this is an important prize. The Nobel Committee demonstrates both courage and faith in the future with this year's prize. There is no doubt that this prize will contribute to strengthening the international legal order, states the YS leadership.
The institutions that are supposed to uphold the international legal order are currently under tremendous pressure. Both from major powers such as China, the United States and Russia, but also from other actors such as international corporations and extreme political movements, we see that international regulations and the institutions that are supposed to defend laws and rules are under attack.
– This year's award does not just go to Navi Pilay and her formidable efforts as an individual – this is an award for everyone who defends fundamental rights. For us in the trade union movement, this is also an important award because we work internationally to defend rights and are therefore dependent on international institutions functioning. Therefore, this is an award that we greatly appreciate, say the two.