Barriers to Justice: Access to Legal Protection for Victims of Gender-Based Violence in North Macedonia After the Istanbul Convention Ejupi, Fjolla Arifi, Besa Keywords: gender-based violence Istanbul Convention access to justice North Macedonia legal protection Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive violation of human rights, affecting millions worldwide. In response, the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention sets comprehensive standards to prevent violence against women and ensure victim protection and access to justice. North Macedonia ratified the Convention in 2017, signaling its commitment to tackling GBV legally and institutionally. However, this paper critically examines the extent to which victims in North Macedonia can access effective legal protection post-ratification. Drawing on legislative analysis, institutional reports, and socio-cultural studies, it reveals enduring systemic, cultural, psychological, and procedural barriers that limit justice access. The study underscores the gap between formal reforms and lived realities, highlighting the need for deeper structural and cultural transformation to fulfill international obligations and protect vulnerable populations. Balkan University Press 2025-11-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Research Article application/pdf https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/barriers-to-justice-access-to-legal-protection-for-victims-of-gender-based-violence-in-north-macedonia-after-the-istanbul-convention Balkan Research Journal; Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025); 51-64 2955-2516 2955-2524 en https://brj.ibupress.com/file/JYz4ADeRsJR/ibu-journal-brj-2-2-4-1.pdf https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess