Vasilka Sancin has been elected Slovenia’s judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg. The 45-year-old professor will succeed Marko Bošnjak, whose nine-year term concludes in May. Her election by the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly on 28 January saw 125 out of 171 votes cast in her favor.
Sancin’s credentials reflect a formidable career in international law. She is a professor at the Ljubljana Faculty of Law, where she leads the Institute of International Law and International Relations, and serves on the advisory committee of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Her prior experience includes a three-year tenure as a member and deputy chair of the UN Human Rights Committee, and since 2022, she has acted as a substitute judge at the ECHR.
Beyond her judicial roles, Sancin is a respected arbitrator and a member of the Geneva-based OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration. She also heads the Slovenian branch of the International Law Association, further underscoring her commitment to upholding the principles of international justice.
Sancin’s appointment marks a significant moment for Slovenia, as the nation continues to strengthen its contribution to the global legal landscape. Her breadth of experience and dedication to human rights will undoubtedly shape her role in Strasbourg, where the ECHR’s decisions resonate far beyond the courtroom, safeguarding the fundamental rights of millions across Europe.
