Ms. Pavey is known for her international work in the field of human rights, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding. Her background includes international civil service, activism and journalism. She previously worked for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) both at the headquarters and on humanitarian missions in the Middle East. She also served as a peace activist in several conflict areas, including Afghanistan; as the UNHCR spokesperson for Central Europe in Hungary; and later as the head of a human rights treaty body secretariat at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Ms. Pavey was the first female with disabilities to become a member of the Turkish Parliament in 2011 and is also a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In 2012, she received the International Women of Courage Award from the US Department of State.