Law Students Shine in National Competition

Mostar, 10 October 2025 - From 8 to 10 October, the Faculty of Law of the University of Mostar, in co-operation with the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HJPC BiH) and the OSCE Mission to BiH (Mission), organized the Fourth State University Moot Court Competition in Mostar. Twenty-four law students and their professors from the law faculties in Zenica, Sarajevo, Tuzla, Bihać, and Mostar showcased their skills and knowledge in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). This contributed to the development of a new generation of legal professionals dedicated to upholding human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and fostering a culture of justice and accountability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The competition, organized in several stages, began earlier in 2025 when the Mission developed a case study on the protection of victims of war-related sexual violence, freedom of religious and artistic expression, and state obligations in ensuring transitional justice in post-conflict societies. After preparing written submissions, teams presented their arguments in the final round in October before a distinguished panel of judges drawn from the Court of BiH, the Constitutional Court, the HJPC, and other judicial and prosecutorial institutions. The initiative showcased the talent of young legal professionals, strengthening their analytical, written, and oral advocacy skills, and deepening their understanding of how the European Convention on Human Rights is applied in practice before the ECtHR.

"Such competitions, along with other forms of extracurricular activities, provide students with valuable opportunities to develop practical skills during their studies through trial simulations and presentations before legal experts, including judges, lawyers, and law professors," said Zlatko Brkić, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Mostar. "This not only deepens their knowledge but also enhances professional competencies, making them more competitive in the labour market. The Faculty of Law will continue to actively support initiatives that contribute to the advancement of legal education and the professional development of students."

Sanela Gorušanović-Butigan, Deputy President of the HJPC BiH, emphasized that this competition lays the foundation for a more just society. "The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH proudly supports this initiative, as it helps strengthen the rule of law, develop legal literacy, and encourages future judicial professionals to cultivate ethics, argumentation, and professionalism from the very start of their careers."

"Events like this are crucial for nurturing the next generation of legal professionals," stated Julija Vitanova, Head of the Mission's Field Office in Mostar. "By engaging students in practical exercises that reflect real-life legal challenges, we help them build confidence, sharpen their skills, and inspire them to uphold human rights and the rule of law in their future careers," she noted.

The OSCE Mission to BiH commends the hard work of all participating teams and congratulates the winners. Through its partnerships and long-standing expertise in human rights and rule-of-law education, the Mission remains committed to connecting institutions, educators, and young professionals to strengthen justice and uphold the rule of law across Bosnia and Herzegovina.