The laureates
Description
Vanja Pavlović is a criminal defense attorney and human rights advocate from Bosnia and Herzegovina. In her professional work, she focuses particularly on: (1) protecting women from domestic violence, sexual and gender-based violence, and sexual harassment; (2) defending the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and its members; (3) to protect journalists and the right to freedom of expression. It ensures the protection of these vulnerable groups in several ways: by providing pro bono representation to victims, by filing lawsuits for discrimination and representing plaintiffs, by representing and defending journalists in defamation cases, by collaborating with nongovernmental organizations dedicated to the protection of human rights, by appealing to the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and ECHR.
“Being a human rights advocate: it’s not just a choice—it’s who I am.”
Vanjia Pavlovic interview - 07/31/24
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Vanja Pavlovic, and I am a lawyer in Bosnia and Herzegovina specializing in criminal defense and the protection of human rights. I also hold a master’s degree in political science, with a specialization in international relations and diplomacy.
During my nearly twenty-year career in the judicial system of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I have held various senior positions. I have worked at the Banja Luka Court of First Instance, the High Council of the Judiciary and Public Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Bar Association of the Republic of Srpska, and the Training Center for Judges and Prosecutors of the Republic of Srpska. For the past six years, I have been running my own law firm in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Why did you decide to advocate for human rights?
The answer isn't simple, but I've always believed in justice for all, which naturally led me to study law.
Under the guidance of Professor Ljiljana Mijovic, then director of the Center for Human Rights (and later a judge at the European Court of Human Rights), I learned about the mechanisms for protecting human rights in an international context, which strengthened my commitment.
Very early in my legal career, I quickly realized that the law and justice do not always go hand in hand. This realization inspired me to protect the vulnerable members of society. I believe that defending human rights is a calling that is intrinsic to who I am, shaped by the strong women in my family. My grandmother, who was a member of the Resistance during World War II at the age of 18, and my mother, who had a remarkable career in the legal profession in Bosnia and Herzegovina despite numerous obstacles, have inspired me with their strength and determination. Their example has taught me never to doubt my abilities as a woman and always to help those in need.
These family influences, along with my academic and professional background, have shaped me into the human rights advocate I am today.
How did the Marianne Initiative help you bring your project to life?
During the Marianne Initiative, my goal was to establish an organization bringing together lawyers, psychologists, and social workers to protect victims of gender-based violence—particularly domestic and sexual violence—by providing them with comprehensive, free assistance.
Unfortunately, I had to suspend my activities due to the adoption of a new regulation in the Republic of Srpska—where I live and work—known as the “Foreign Agents Law.” Under this law, all NGOs funded by foreign sources would be required to be listed in a special registry and would be considered enemies of the state.Knowing that the only source of funding for such an organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina would come from foreign funds, I was forced to put my project on hold. Fortunately, this bill was withdrawn from the legislative process a few days before the end of the Marianne Initiative. My project is therefore back on track. Thanks to the many contacts I made during the program with French and international organizations, I am confident that I will be able to carry out my project.
The new knowledge and experiences I gained in France have strengthened my resolve to continue my fight for equality and peace in Bosnian society.
The Marianne Initiative has meant a lot to me, and the most important thing for me was that it helped me rediscover the motivation to continue my fight. My time in France reenergized me, especially my visit to the Maison des femmes, which deeply inspired me.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to continue practicing law and to grow the organization I founded. My goal is to keep fighting for equality among all citizens of my country, regardless of their ethnic background, religion, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, I am somewhat pessimistic about the future, as we have taken steps backward in recent years when it comes to protecting human rights.
I recently applied for a position as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights. If I am selected, I am confident that I will be able to make a significant contribution to the protection of human rights throughout Europe, drawing on all of my knowledge and experience, including that gained through the Marianne Initiative.
