First presidential award for human rights work goes to lawyer Bervar Sternad

The office pointed out that the work of the head of PIC, the legal centre for the protection of human rights and the environment, is based on direct contact with individuals from vulnerable groups, socially disadvantaged families and other victims of discrimination and human rights violations.

In concrete cases of human rights violations, she identifies systemic shortcomings, brings them to the attention of the relevant state institutions and works to remedy them, it added about the first winner of the award, handed out on the occasion of Human Rights Day.

The office pointed out that the beginnings of the recipient's efforts involved free legal aid and that her experience and work were instrumental in the 2021 formation of the Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy, which focuses on the protection of the rule of law and the democratic division of powers in Slovenia.

What is more, Bervar Sternad is also one of the most prominent fighters in the field of prevention of violence against women and domestic violence, and an initiator and member of the Network for Children's Rights, the President's Office said.

Bervar Sternad is also one of the most prominent figures in the field of prevention of violence against women and domestic violence, an initiator and member of the Network for Children's Rights, the president's office added, arguing it is hard to imagine a professional conversation on the human rights situation and the necessary systemic improvements without the input of the recipient of the award.

Addressing the award ceremony, Pirc Musar stressed the importance of the award. "Particularly at a time when we are facing many challenges in the protection of rights, I consider this to be an important contribution to the call to strengthen social awareness of the importance of the protection of human rights, which are key to preserving and consolidating democracy, justice, stability, progress and peace in the world."

Bervar Sternad said she was accepting the award on behalf of all those who work in the non-governmental sector to promote respect for human rights in society, especially at a time when attempts are being made to undermine the importance of their work.

While human rights defenders in Slovenia may not be subject to the same kind of perils as their colleagues abroad, the level of hostility against them is not insignificant, it is "a microcosm of violence and bodes ill for our future work if it is not countered from the very top", she warned.

Meanwhile, a reception marking 10 December, Human Rights Day, was also held last Friday by Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina. He warned that along with progress and development, the world is facing an increasing number of crises. He argued that it is precisely because of solidarity and care for others that the human species has survived many critical moments throughout history.

Moreover, on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry paid tribute to the progress made in the 75 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but it also noted that the declaration's principles have not yet been realised.

There are, for example, around 50 million victims of modern forms of slavery in the world, and 86% of women and girls live in countries that do not offer legal protection against gender-based violence, the ministry pointed out.