| CROATIA Republic of Croatia Republika Hrvatska Joined United Nations: 22 May 1992 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 05/18/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Zagreb
4,489,409 (July 2009 est.)
Ivo Jospovic
President since 18 February 2010
President since 18 February 2010
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible
for a second term); election last held 10 January 2010
Next scheduled election: January 2015
for a second term); election last held 10 January 2010
Next scheduled election: January 2015
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Jadranka Kosor
Prime Minister since 06 July 2009
Prime Minister since 06 July 2009
The leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority
coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president and
then approved by the Assembly; prime minister appoints deputies
coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president and
then approved by the Assembly; prime minister appoints deputies
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, other 5.9% (including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Roma) (2001 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, other Christian 0.4%, Muslim 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.9%, none
5.2% (2001 census)
5.2% (2001 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Presidential/parliamentary democracy comprised of 20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city (grad -
singular); Legal system is a based on civil law system which does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 10 January
2010 (next to be held January 2015); the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed prime minister by the president and then approved by the Assembly
Legislative: Unicameral Assembly or Sabor (152 seats; note - one seat was added in the November 2003
parliamentary elections; members elected from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 25 November 2007 (next to be held in November 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial
Council of the Republic, which is elected by the Assembly
singular); Legal system is a based on civil law system which does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 10 January
2010 (next to be held January 2015); the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed prime minister by the president and then approved by the Assembly
Legislative: Unicameral Assembly or Sabor (152 seats; note - one seat was added in the November 2003
parliamentary elections; members elected from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 25 November 2007 (next to be held in November 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial
Council of the Republic, which is elected by the Assembly
| LANGUAGES |
Croatian 96.1%, Serbian 1%, other and undesignated 2.9% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and
German) (2001 census)
German) (2001 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Once one of the wealthiest of the Yugoslav republics, Croatia's economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war as
output collapsed and the country missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed
the fall of the Berlin Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes began to improve slowly,
with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6% led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer
spending. Inflation over the same period has remained tame and the currency, the kuna, stable. Nevertheless, difficult
problems still remain, including a stubbornly high unemployment rate, a growing trade deficit and uneven regional
development. The state retains a large role in the economy, as privatization efforts often meet stiff public and political
resistance. While macroeconomic stabilization has largely been achieved, structural reforms lag because of deep
resistance on the part of the public and lack of strong support from politicians. The EU accession process should
accelerate fiscal and structural reform. While long term growth prospects for the economy remain strong, Croatia will
face significant pressure as a result of the global financial crisis. Croatia's high foreign debt, anemic export sector,
strained state budget, and over-reliance on tourism revenue will result in higher risk to economic stability over the
medium term.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Croatia)
output collapsed and the country missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed
the fall of the Berlin Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes began to improve slowly,
with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6% led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer
spending. Inflation over the same period has remained tame and the currency, the kuna, stable. Nevertheless, difficult
problems still remain, including a stubbornly high unemployment rate, a growing trade deficit and uneven regional
development. The state retains a large role in the economy, as privatization efforts often meet stiff public and political
resistance. While macroeconomic stabilization has largely been achieved, structural reforms lag because of deep
resistance on the part of the public and lack of strong support from politicians. The EU accession process should
accelerate fiscal and structural reform. While long term growth prospects for the economy remain strong, Croatia will
face significant pressure as a result of the global financial crisis. Croatia's high foreign debt, anemic export sector,
strained state budget, and over-reliance on tourism revenue will result in higher risk to economic stability over the
medium term.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Croatia)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Accession to membership of the European Union is presently a stated national goal for most mainstream parties,
although they vary in the amount of cooperation with the EU rules. The main issues remain in the areas of post-war
recovery: both political (refugee return, war crime trials) and economic (agricultural import/export policy). One of the
more recent trends in Croatian politics is deep alienation of Croatian public from Croatian political establishment. It
manifested itself on the latest presidential and local elections through record low turnouts and support for candidates
and options that represented alternative to Croatian political mainstream. One of the stated reasons for such
alienation is in mainstream political parties being oriented towards centre and having almost identical platforms.
Another is parties being heavily centralised and perceived more as representatives of their leaders' personal interests
than any palpable political platform. Proportional representation voting system which leads to coalition governments
that often don't make any political sense - a phenomenon which gained a lot of notoriety after 2005 local elections -
also contributed to those trends. Croatian public appears to prefer strong personalities with populist tendencies - like
Boris Mikšić, Milan Bandić and Branimir Glavaš - to well-established parties or any particular ideology. The
alienation from Croatian political mainstream has also manifested itself in the dramatic rise of Euroscepticism among
general public.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Croatia
although they vary in the amount of cooperation with the EU rules. The main issues remain in the areas of post-war
recovery: both political (refugee return, war crime trials) and economic (agricultural import/export policy). One of the
more recent trends in Croatian politics is deep alienation of Croatian public from Croatian political establishment. It
manifested itself on the latest presidential and local elections through record low turnouts and support for candidates
and options that represented alternative to Croatian political mainstream. One of the stated reasons for such
alienation is in mainstream political parties being oriented towards centre and having almost identical platforms.
Another is parties being heavily centralised and perceived more as representatives of their leaders' personal interests
than any palpable political platform. Proportional representation voting system which leads to coalition governments
that often don't make any political sense - a phenomenon which gained a lot of notoriety after 2005 local elections -
also contributed to those trends. Croatian public appears to prefer strong personalities with populist tendencies - like
Boris Mikšić, Milan Bandić and Branimir Glavaš - to well-established parties or any particular ideology. The
alienation from Croatian political mainstream has also manifested itself in the dramatic rise of Euroscepticism among
general public.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Croatia
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Dispute remains with Bosnia and Herzegovina over several small sections of the boundary related to maritime access
that hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement,
which would have ceded most of Pirin Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains
unratified and in dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic;
as a European Union peripheral state, Slovenia imposed a hard border Schengen regime with non-member Croatia
in December 2007
that hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement,
which would have ceded most of Pirin Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains
unratified and in dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic;
as a European Union peripheral state, Slovenia imposed a hard border Schengen regime with non-member Croatia
in December 2007
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
IDPs: 2,900-7,000 (Croats and Serbs displaced in 1992-95 war) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transit point along the Balkan route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western Europe; has been used as a transit point
for maritime shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western Europe (2008)
for maritime shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western Europe (2008)
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Croatia
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Croatia is a constitutional parliamentary democracy with a population of 4.4 million. Legislative authority is vested
in the unicameral Sabor (parliament). The president serves as head of state and commander of the armed forces, cooperating in the
formulation and execution of foreign policy; he also nominates the prime minister, who leads the government. Domestic and
international observers stated the 2007 parliamentary elections, the May 2009 local elections, and the first round of the presidential
election in December 2009 were in accord with international standards. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of
the security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Croatia is a constitutional parliamentary democracy with a population of 4.4 million. Legislative authority is vested
in the unicameral Sabor (parliament). The president serves as head of state and commander of the armed forces, cooperating in the
formulation and execution of foreign policy; he also nominates the prime minister, who leads the government. Domestic and
international observers stated the 2007 parliamentary elections, the May 2009 local elections, and the first round of the presidential
election in December 2009 were in accord with international standards. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of
the security forces.
- The judicial system suffered from a case backlog, although courts somewhat reduced the number of unresolved cases
awaiting trial. - Ineffective prosecution of some domestic war crimes trials remained a problem.
- The government made little progress in restituting property nationalized by the former Yugoslav communist government to
non-Roman Catholic religious groups. - Societal violence and discrimination against ethnic minorities, particularly Serbs and Roma, remained a problem.
- Violence and discrimination against women continued.
- Trafficking in persons, violence and discrimination against homosexuals, and discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS
were also reported.
5 March 2009
COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Seventy-fourth session
16 February – 6 March 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
CROATIA
A. INTRODUCTION
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the sixth to eighth periodic reports by the State party. It also expresses its
appreciation for the frank and constructive dialogue held with the high-level delegation and the comprehensive written and oral
responses provided to the list of issues and the questions posed by Committee members.
B. POSITIVE ASPECTS
3. The Committee welcomes the adoption of new laws which aim to implement various provisions of the Convention, especially the
adoption of the Anti-Discrimination Act (2009), the Constitutional Act on National Minorities (2002), and the law on the Right to
Legal Assistance (2008).
C. CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
10. The Committee appreciates the data collected by the State party on the ethnic composition of its population, but regrets the lack
of information as to how such data is gathered and the criteria on which it is based, in particular whether these are in line with the
Committee’s General Recommendation No. 8 (1990) on self-identification with a particular racial or ethnic group.
The State party should, in its next periodic report to the Committee, provide information on its methods of data collection, including
whether and how they reflect the principle of self-identification.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Seventy-fourth session
16 February – 6 March 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
CROATIA
A. INTRODUCTION
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the sixth to eighth periodic reports by the State party. It also expresses its
appreciation for the frank and constructive dialogue held with the high-level delegation and the comprehensive written and oral
responses provided to the list of issues and the questions posed by Committee members.
B. POSITIVE ASPECTS
3. The Committee welcomes the adoption of new laws which aim to implement various provisions of the Convention, especially the
adoption of the Anti-Discrimination Act (2009), the Constitutional Act on National Minorities (2002), and the law on the Right to
Legal Assistance (2008).
C. CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
10. The Committee appreciates the data collected by the State party on the ethnic composition of its population, but regrets the lack
of information as to how such data is gathered and the criteria on which it is based, in particular whether these are in line with the
Committee’s General Recommendation No. 8 (1990) on self-identification with a particular racial or ethnic group.
The State party should, in its next periodic report to the Committee, provide information on its methods of data collection, including
whether and how they reflect the principle of self-identification.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT- 2009
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
Following weeks of negotiations, a new government led by incumbent prime minister Ivo Sanader took office in January 2008. In
April, Croatia was formally invited to join NATO, a long-held goal. Also during the year, a series of violent attacks raised concerns
about organized crime. As part of the government response, Sanader replaced the country’s justice and interior ministers.
Following weeks of negotiations, Sanader’s new government took office in January 2008. The HDZ formed the governing coalition
with the Croatian Peasant Party (HSS), the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), and seven out of eight ethnic minority
representatives. Those included three members of the Independent Serbian Democratic Party (SDSS). One of the new cabinet’s
four deputy prime ministers was a Serb.
Despite institutional measures to fight organized crime, a series of violent attacks in 2008 raised serious concerns about the country’
s internal security. One of the worst incidents was the October murder of the owner and editor in chief of the Nacional newspaper
group, Ivo Pukanic, and one of his managers, Niko Franjic. The men were killed by a bomb placed under Pukanic’s car in Zagreb.
Pukanic, an investigative journalist who wrote frequently about corruption and organized crime, was known to have connections to
sources in the criminal underworld. The bombing came less than a month after Ivana Hodak, the daughter of a prominent attorney,
was shot dead in the building where she lived. As part of its response to the violence, the government replaced several key officials,
including the justice and interior ministers.The police arrested ten individuals in connection to the Pukanic-Franjic murders in
November, all of whom were described by the government as “dangerous members of the underworld.”
Croatia was formally invited to join NATO in April 2008, paving the way for accession in 2009. The country also continued
accession negotiations with the European Union (EU), having passed numerous measures to bring its laws into compliance with EU
standards. However, slow progress on judicial reform and the fight against corruption remained serious obstacles.
Croatia is an electoral democracy. Both the 2005 presidential poll and the 2007 parliamentary elections were deemed generally free
and fair. The parliament is a unicameral body composed of 140 members from geographical districts, 8 representing ethnic
minorities, and a variable number representing Croatians living abroad, for a current total of 153 members. All members are elected
to four-year terms. The largest parties are the HDZ and SDP, but several smaller parties, including the HSS–HSLS coalition and the
Croatian People’s Party (HNS), have won representation in the parliament. The president, who serves as head of state, is elected by
popular vote for a five-year term, with a maximum of two terms. The prime minister is appointed by the president but must be
approved by the parliament.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
Following weeks of negotiations, a new government led by incumbent prime minister Ivo Sanader took office in January 2008. In
April, Croatia was formally invited to join NATO, a long-held goal. Also during the year, a series of violent attacks raised concerns
about organized crime. As part of the government response, Sanader replaced the country’s justice and interior ministers.
Following weeks of negotiations, Sanader’s new government took office in January 2008. The HDZ formed the governing coalition
with the Croatian Peasant Party (HSS), the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), and seven out of eight ethnic minority
representatives. Those included three members of the Independent Serbian Democratic Party (SDSS). One of the new cabinet’s
four deputy prime ministers was a Serb.
Despite institutional measures to fight organized crime, a series of violent attacks in 2008 raised serious concerns about the country’
s internal security. One of the worst incidents was the October murder of the owner and editor in chief of the Nacional newspaper
group, Ivo Pukanic, and one of his managers, Niko Franjic. The men were killed by a bomb placed under Pukanic’s car in Zagreb.
Pukanic, an investigative journalist who wrote frequently about corruption and organized crime, was known to have connections to
sources in the criminal underworld. The bombing came less than a month after Ivana Hodak, the daughter of a prominent attorney,
was shot dead in the building where she lived. As part of its response to the violence, the government replaced several key officials,
including the justice and interior ministers.The police arrested ten individuals in connection to the Pukanic-Franjic murders in
November, all of whom were described by the government as “dangerous members of the underworld.”
Croatia was formally invited to join NATO in April 2008, paving the way for accession in 2009. The country also continued
accession negotiations with the European Union (EU), having passed numerous measures to bring its laws into compliance with EU
standards. However, slow progress on judicial reform and the fight against corruption remained serious obstacles.
Croatia is an electoral democracy. Both the 2005 presidential poll and the 2007 parliamentary elections were deemed generally free
and fair. The parliament is a unicameral body composed of 140 members from geographical districts, 8 representing ethnic
minorities, and a variable number representing Croatians living abroad, for a current total of 153 members. All members are elected
to four-year terms. The largest parties are the HDZ and SDP, but several smaller parties, including the HSS–HSLS coalition and the
Croatian People’s Party (HNS), have won representation in the parliament. The president, who serves as head of state, is elected by
popular vote for a five-year term, with a maximum of two terms. The prime minister is appointed by the president but must be
approved by the parliament.
Click here to read more »
CROATIA BRIEFING TO THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
15 April 2010
INTRODUCTION
This briefing is submitted by Amnesty International in advance of the Committee against Torture’s adoption of the list of issues
prior to the submission by the Republic of Croatia of its fourth periodic report on its implementation of the Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (hereafter, the Convention). It outlines Amnesty
International’s concerns about the failure of the authorities to take adequate measures to implement some of the provisions of the
Convention and some of the recommendations made by the Committee against Torture (hereafter, the Committee) following its
examination of Croatia’s third periodic report in May 2004 (UN Doc:CAT/C/CR/32/3). Amnesty International considers that these
failures have resulted in ongoing violations of the rights of individuals which are guaranteed under the Convention.
In particular, this submission highlights the organization’s concerns with regards to the failure of the authorities to fully implement
the Committee’s 2004 recommendations to:
Thoroughly, promptly and impartially investigate and prosecute acts of torture or cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment which
occurred in the context of the 1991-1995 war;
Provide adequate reparation for such acts to victims and their families; Ensure full cooperation with the International Criminal
Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY);
Enforce all relevant legislation providing for the protection of witnesses and other participants in proceedings;
Ensure that judges, prosecutors and lawyers are fully aware of Croatia’s international obligations in the field of human rights,
particularly those enshrined in under the Convention against Torture.
Click here to read more »
15 April 2010
INTRODUCTION
This briefing is submitted by Amnesty International in advance of the Committee against Torture’s adoption of the list of issues
prior to the submission by the Republic of Croatia of its fourth periodic report on its implementation of the Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (hereafter, the Convention). It outlines Amnesty
International’s concerns about the failure of the authorities to take adequate measures to implement some of the provisions of the
Convention and some of the recommendations made by the Committee against Torture (hereafter, the Committee) following its
examination of Croatia’s third periodic report in May 2004 (UN Doc:CAT/C/CR/32/3). Amnesty International considers that these
failures have resulted in ongoing violations of the rights of individuals which are guaranteed under the Convention.
In particular, this submission highlights the organization’s concerns with regards to the failure of the authorities to fully implement
the Committee’s 2004 recommendations to:
Thoroughly, promptly and impartially investigate and prosecute acts of torture or cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment which
occurred in the context of the 1991-1995 war;
Provide adequate reparation for such acts to victims and their families; Ensure full cooperation with the International Criminal
Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY);
Enforce all relevant legislation providing for the protection of witnesses and other participants in proceedings;
Ensure that judges, prosecutors and lawyers are fully aware of Croatia’s international obligations in the field of human rights,
particularly those enshrined in under the Convention against Torture.
Click here to read more »
Croatia: Unfulfilled Promises to Persons with Disabilities
Two Years after Landmark Treaty, Many Remain Institutionalized
May 3, 2010
(New York) - People with disabilities in Croatia still face violations of their basic human rights two years after a groundbreaking
treaty on disability rights came into force, Human Rights Watch said today.
Croatia was among the first countries in the world to agree to be bound by the International Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities, which will have its second anniversary on May 3, 2010.
"Croatia was a leader in taking on the obligations of the Convention, but since then it hasn't done enough to improve people's lives,
particularly those with intellectual and mental disabilities" said Amanda McRae, fellow with the Europe and Central Asia division at
Human Rights Watch.
The Disability Rights Convention, which is now binding law for 85 countries, requires states to take positive steps to respect and
promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
The right of persons with disabilities to live in the community rather than in institutions is an important aspect of the convention,
Human rights Watch said. Yet at least 7,000 persons with intellectual or mental disabilities in Croatia remain in long-term residential
institutions. While the trend across Europe is toward community-based care and support, the number of persons in institutions is
growing in Croatia.
Placement in these overcrowded institutions strips residents of their dignity and creates potential for physical and mental abuse,
Human Rights Watch said.
Croatia has promised to work on deinstitutionalization in the context of its efforts to become a member of the European Union. In
practice, though, it has done little to address the problem.
"The trend in Croatia on institutionalization is in the wrong direction," McRae said. "Croatia needs to step up its efforts as a matter
of urgency."
The Disability Rights Convention also requires states to move away from depriving people of the right to make their own decisions,
known as legal capacity, and instead to assist them in making their own decisions. Croatia has done nothing to move in that
direction.
At least 8,300 adults with disabilities in Croatia are deprived of their legal capacity. This process takes away an adult's ability to
make important life decisions and to exercise basic rights, such as the right to vote, get married, sign an employment contract, or
choose where and how to live.
Click here to read more »
Two Years after Landmark Treaty, Many Remain Institutionalized
May 3, 2010
(New York) - People with disabilities in Croatia still face violations of their basic human rights two years after a groundbreaking
treaty on disability rights came into force, Human Rights Watch said today.
Croatia was among the first countries in the world to agree to be bound by the International Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities, which will have its second anniversary on May 3, 2010.
"Croatia was a leader in taking on the obligations of the Convention, but since then it hasn't done enough to improve people's lives,
particularly those with intellectual and mental disabilities" said Amanda McRae, fellow with the Europe and Central Asia division at
Human Rights Watch.
The Disability Rights Convention, which is now binding law for 85 countries, requires states to take positive steps to respect and
promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
The right of persons with disabilities to live in the community rather than in institutions is an important aspect of the convention,
Human rights Watch said. Yet at least 7,000 persons with intellectual or mental disabilities in Croatia remain in long-term residential
institutions. While the trend across Europe is toward community-based care and support, the number of persons in institutions is
growing in Croatia.
Placement in these overcrowded institutions strips residents of their dignity and creates potential for physical and mental abuse,
Human Rights Watch said.
Croatia has promised to work on deinstitutionalization in the context of its efforts to become a member of the European Union. In
practice, though, it has done little to address the problem.
"The trend in Croatia on institutionalization is in the wrong direction," McRae said. "Croatia needs to step up its efforts as a matter
of urgency."
The Disability Rights Convention also requires states to move away from depriving people of the right to make their own decisions,
known as legal capacity, and instead to assist them in making their own decisions. Croatia has done nothing to move in that
direction.
At least 8,300 adults with disabilities in Croatia are deprived of their legal capacity. This process takes away an adult's ability to
make important life decisions and to exercise basic rights, such as the right to vote, get married, sign an employment contract, or
choose where and how to live.
Click here to read more »
NEW YORK, N.Y.,
7 August 2009
Statement delivered by Ambassador Ranko Vilović, Charge d'affaires a.i. of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations,
on the UN Security Council debate on Women, Peace and Security.
Mr. President,
Adoption of resolution 1820 represented a significant follow-up to the Council’s landmark resolution 1325. Under 1820, we expressed
our political will to further advance efforts to prevent and respond to the use of sexual violence in conflict-related situations. Croatia
has been an ardent supporter of resolution 1820 from its conceptual phase to its ultimate adoption, and we continue to reiterate our
full support for its unequivocal implementation. In this respect, we reiterate our call on all parties to armed conflict to strictly adhere
to relevant international law.
However, despite the wide-scale support shown for resolution 1820 last year, the Secretary-General’s report serves as a painful
reminder that its overall implementation remains weak, and that the deliberate and targeted use of sexual violence against women and
girls in conflict-affected situations continues to be a key challenge of our time. Furthermore, in certain parts of the world such as in
the eastern DRC, widespread and systematic sexual violations are being perpetuated systematically and at such levels with such
brutality, that it defies our belief. Additionally disturbing to us, is the increasing trend of uncapped accompanying violations against
victims such as their abduction, enforced prostitution and enslavement. The emergence of growing evidence of sexual violence
against men and boys in armed conflicts, albeit on a much smaller scale, should not be underestimated nor overlooked in our future
considerations on this issue.
Croatia too bears its own painful memories that sexual violence in conflict-related situations is not a relic of the distant past. Indeed as
the Secretary-General points out in his report, we too witnessed first hand the use of rape and sexual violence as a tactic of war
during the armed conflicts in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The particularity of the conflict in our region has been carefully
evidenced in the case-law of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). It included acts of widespread
and/or systematic sexual violence inflicted on civilians especially women and girls, often to terrorize and displace populations as a part
of organized “ethnic cleansing” campaigns conducted by Serb paramilitary forces in both Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Another particularly abhorrent practice in our region was the establishment of so-called “rape camps” for abducted women and girls,
where mostly Bosnian Muslim but also some Croatian women and girls were repeatedly raped. raves across our country. We still have
vivid memories of the complete destruction of Vukovar, the shelling of Dubrovnik, Osijek, Zadar, Gospić, and so many other cities
and towns in Croatia.
Click here to read more »
7 August 2009
Statement delivered by Ambassador Ranko Vilović, Charge d'affaires a.i. of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations,
on the UN Security Council debate on Women, Peace and Security.
Mr. President,
Adoption of resolution 1820 represented a significant follow-up to the Council’s landmark resolution 1325. Under 1820, we expressed
our political will to further advance efforts to prevent and respond to the use of sexual violence in conflict-related situations. Croatia
has been an ardent supporter of resolution 1820 from its conceptual phase to its ultimate adoption, and we continue to reiterate our
full support for its unequivocal implementation. In this respect, we reiterate our call on all parties to armed conflict to strictly adhere
to relevant international law.
However, despite the wide-scale support shown for resolution 1820 last year, the Secretary-General’s report serves as a painful
reminder that its overall implementation remains weak, and that the deliberate and targeted use of sexual violence against women and
girls in conflict-affected situations continues to be a key challenge of our time. Furthermore, in certain parts of the world such as in
the eastern DRC, widespread and systematic sexual violations are being perpetuated systematically and at such levels with such
brutality, that it defies our belief. Additionally disturbing to us, is the increasing trend of uncapped accompanying violations against
victims such as their abduction, enforced prostitution and enslavement. The emergence of growing evidence of sexual violence
against men and boys in armed conflicts, albeit on a much smaller scale, should not be underestimated nor overlooked in our future
considerations on this issue.
Croatia too bears its own painful memories that sexual violence in conflict-related situations is not a relic of the distant past. Indeed as
the Secretary-General points out in his report, we too witnessed first hand the use of rape and sexual violence as a tactic of war
during the armed conflicts in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The particularity of the conflict in our region has been carefully
evidenced in the case-law of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). It included acts of widespread
and/or systematic sexual violence inflicted on civilians especially women and girls, often to terrorize and displace populations as a part
of organized “ethnic cleansing” campaigns conducted by Serb paramilitary forces in both Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Another particularly abhorrent practice in our region was the establishment of so-called “rape camps” for abducted women and girls,
where mostly Bosnian Muslim but also some Croatian women and girls were repeatedly raped. raves across our country. We still have
vivid memories of the complete destruction of Vukovar, the shelling of Dubrovnik, Osijek, Zadar, Gospić, and so many other cities
and towns in Croatia.
Click here to read more »
Round Table and Presentation of Gallup's Survey on Croatian Citizen's View of EU Membership
ZAGREB, January 21st 2010
Round table “Croatia and EU: closer to the goal with less and less optimism” was held in the conference hall of the European
delegation in Republic of Croatia, which attended the representative of the Coalition MR Stjepan Čuraj. Gallup Balkan monitor in
cooperation with European fund for Balkans presented the survey second year in a row with respondents from all counties in
Croatia. After the introduction from Ms. Nevena Crljenko, executive director of the Academy for political development Council of
Europe and Ms. Hedvig Morai Horvat, executive director of European fund for Balkans and the presentation of the survey by
Robert Manchin, director of Gallup Europe round table begun the session with Vesna Pusić, Chairwomen of the National committee
for negotiations with European union, Paul Vandoren, chief of Delegation of European commission in republic of Croatia, Josip
Kregar, professor on University of Law in Zagreb and Srđan Dvornik, publicist.
Round table was moderated by Neven Santić, journalist and columnist of Novi list. Debate was on results of survey and growing
skepticism of citizens towards accession of Croatia into European union and rather disappointing thoughts of citizens on economic,
political and social occasions in the country. Among most interesting data was the results on perception of the way in which
Croatia is going where 84$ stated that is going in a bad direction, 65% thinks tah the government isn’t doing a good job, and if the
election for accession to the European union was held on Sunday only 39% would vote for accessions.
Click here to read more »
ZAGREB, January 21st 2010
Round table “Croatia and EU: closer to the goal with less and less optimism” was held in the conference hall of the European
delegation in Republic of Croatia, which attended the representative of the Coalition MR Stjepan Čuraj. Gallup Balkan monitor in
cooperation with European fund for Balkans presented the survey second year in a row with respondents from all counties in
Croatia. After the introduction from Ms. Nevena Crljenko, executive director of the Academy for political development Council of
Europe and Ms. Hedvig Morai Horvat, executive director of European fund for Balkans and the presentation of the survey by
Robert Manchin, director of Gallup Europe round table begun the session with Vesna Pusić, Chairwomen of the National committee
for negotiations with European union, Paul Vandoren, chief of Delegation of European commission in republic of Croatia, Josip
Kregar, professor on University of Law in Zagreb and Srđan Dvornik, publicist.
Round table was moderated by Neven Santić, journalist and columnist of Novi list. Debate was on results of survey and growing
skepticism of citizens towards accession of Croatia into European union and rather disappointing thoughts of citizens on economic,
political and social occasions in the country. Among most interesting data was the results on perception of the way in which
Croatia is going where 84$ stated that is going in a bad direction, 65% thinks tah the government isn’t doing a good job, and if the
election for accession to the European union was held on Sunday only 39% would vote for accessions.
Click here to read more »
UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF
CROATIA
19 April 2010
I - Introduction
This report was prepared by the Office of the Ombudsman as a coordinator of the ad hoc informal coalition of national human
rights institutions, i.e. the Ombudsman (as NHRI with status A) together with special ombudspersons institutions - the
Ombudsperson for Children, the Ombudsperson for Persons with Disabilities and the Ombudsperson for Gender Equality – and the
Human Rights Centre. Contributions to the report were made by the Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia, a social
partner to the Ombudsman in the implementation of the Anti-discrimination Act. The report relies primarily on evidence and
assessments of human rights situation collected by the above mentioned institutions. During the report preparation, two
conferences were organized by the Human Rights Centre and consultations were held with the representatives of the informal
coalition of civil society organizations, which will submit its own report. We note that by the date of the report submission,
government bodies have not organized or carried out consultations with independent stakeholders in the UPR reporting process.
II - Normative and Institutional Framework
The Republic of Croatia has signed and ratified most of the core UN treaties on human rights protection. In the process of
association and harmonization of the national legislation with the EU acquis communautaire, the Republic of Croatia has passed
numerous legal acts dealing with human rights protection; it has adopted action plans and programmes and set up a number of
institutions to protect human rights.
III - Rule of Law – Implementation of Laws
Certain progress has been made in reducing the backlog of court cases, but the length of court proceedings in civil and
administrative court cases remains a serious problem. The Ombudsman and the special Ombuds have in their annual reports to the
Croatian Parliament pointed out that unreasonably long court proceedings violate the rights of citizens and proposed measures,
especially related to strengthening and implementing supervision of the operations of the court and judicial administration.
IV - Civil and Political Rights
Access to justice According to the Free Legal Aid Act, legal aid can be provided not only by attorneys at law but also by civil
society organizations, trade unions and legal clinics. However, the system that has been established is too complex for citizens to
use with a number of administrative hurdles that prevent them from realizing their right to access to justice.
Click here to read more »
CROATIA
19 April 2010
I - Introduction
This report was prepared by the Office of the Ombudsman as a coordinator of the ad hoc informal coalition of national human
rights institutions, i.e. the Ombudsman (as NHRI with status A) together with special ombudspersons institutions - the
Ombudsperson for Children, the Ombudsperson for Persons with Disabilities and the Ombudsperson for Gender Equality – and the
Human Rights Centre. Contributions to the report were made by the Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia, a social
partner to the Ombudsman in the implementation of the Anti-discrimination Act. The report relies primarily on evidence and
assessments of human rights situation collected by the above mentioned institutions. During the report preparation, two
conferences were organized by the Human Rights Centre and consultations were held with the representatives of the informal
coalition of civil society organizations, which will submit its own report. We note that by the date of the report submission,
government bodies have not organized or carried out consultations with independent stakeholders in the UPR reporting process.
II - Normative and Institutional Framework
The Republic of Croatia has signed and ratified most of the core UN treaties on human rights protection. In the process of
association and harmonization of the national legislation with the EU acquis communautaire, the Republic of Croatia has passed
numerous legal acts dealing with human rights protection; it has adopted action plans and programmes and set up a number of
institutions to protect human rights.
III - Rule of Law – Implementation of Laws
Certain progress has been made in reducing the backlog of court cases, but the length of court proceedings in civil and
administrative court cases remains a serious problem. The Ombudsman and the special Ombuds have in their annual reports to the
Croatian Parliament pointed out that unreasonably long court proceedings violate the rights of citizens and proposed measures,
especially related to strengthening and implementing supervision of the operations of the court and judicial administration.
IV - Civil and Political Rights
Access to justice According to the Free Legal Aid Act, legal aid can be provided not only by attorneys at law but also by civil
society organizations, trade unions and legal clinics. However, the system that has been established is too complex for citizens to
use with a number of administrative hurdles that prevent them from realizing their right to access to justice.
Click here to read more »
The area known as Croatia today has been inhabited throughout the prehistoric period, since the Stone Age. In the
middle Paleolithic, Neanderthals lived in Krapina. In the early Neolithic period, the Starčevo, Vinča, Sopot, Vučedol
and Hvar cultures were scattered around the region. The Iron Age left traces of the Hallstatt culture (proto-Illyrians)
and the La Tène culture (proto-Celts).In recorded history, the area was inhabited by the Illyrians, and since the 4th
century BC also colonized by the Celts and by the Greeks. Illyria was a sovereign state until the Romans conquered
it in 168 BC. The Western Empire organized the provinces of Pannonia and Dalmatia, which after its downfall
passed to the Huns, the Ostrogoths and then to the Byzantine Empire. Forebears of Croatia's current Slav population
settled there in the 7th century. The Croats arrived in what is today Croatia in the seventh century. They organized
into two dukedoms; the duchy of Pannonian Croatia in the north and the duchy of Littoral Croatia duchy in the south.
The biggest part of Christianization of the Croats ended in the 9th century. Croatian duke Trpimir I (845–864),
founder of Trpimirović dynasty, fought successfully against Bulgarians, and against Byzantine strategos in Zadar. He
expanded his state in east to the Drava River. The first native Croatian ruler recognized by a pope was duke
Branimir, whom Pope John VIII called dux Chroatorum in 879. The first King of Croatia, Tomislav (910–928) of
the Trpimirović dynasty, was crowned in 925. Tomislav, rex Chroatorum, united the Pannonian and Dalmatian
duchies and created a sizeable state. He defeated Bulgarian Tsar Simeon I in battle of the Bosnian Highlands. The
mediæval Croatian kingdom reached its peak during the reign of King Petar Krešimir IV (1058–1074). Following
the disappearance of the major native dynasty by the end of the 11th century in the Battle of Gvozd Mountain, the
Croats eventually recognized the Hungarian ruler Coloman as the common king for Croatia and Hungary in a treaty
of 1102 (often referred to as the Pacta conventa). The consequences of the change to the Hungarian king included
the introduction of feudalism and the rise of the native noble families such as Frankopan and Šubić. The later kings
sought to restore some of their previously lost influence by giving certain privileges to the towns. The primary
governor of Croatian provinces was the ban. The princes of Bribir from the Šubić family became particularly
influential, asserting control over large parts of Dalmatia, Slavonia and Bosnia. Later, however, the Angevines
intervened and restored royal power. They also sold the whole of Dalmatia to Venice in 1409. As the Turkish
incursion into Europe started, Croatia once again became a border area. The Croats fought an increasing number of
battles and gradually lost increasing swaths of territory to the Ottoman Empire (Battle of Krbava field). The 1526
Battle of Mohács was a crucial event in which the rule of the Jagiellon dynasty was shattered by the death of King
Louis II. The Ottoman Empire further expanded in the 16th century to include most of Slavonia, western Bosnia and
Lika. After the Bihać fort finally fell in 1592, only small parts of Croatia remained unconquered. The remaining
16,800 km² were referred to as the remnants of the remnants of the once great Croatian kingdom. The Croats have
participated in the Thirty Years' War. By the 1700s, the Ottoman Empire was driven out of Hungary and Croatia,
and Austria brought the empire under central control. The Habsburgs eventually secured them (by 1815) and
Dalmatia and Istria became part of the empire, though they were in Cisleithania while Croatia and Slavonia were
under Hungary. Following the Revolutions of 1848 in Habsburg areas and the creation of the dual monarchy of
Austria-Hungary, Croatia lost its domestic autonomy, despite the contributions of its ban Jelačić in quenching the
Hungarian rebellion. Shortly before the end of the First World War in 1918, the Croatian Parliament severed
relations with Austria-Hungary as the Entente armies defeated those of the Habsburgs. Croatia and Slavonia' became
a part of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs composed out of all Southern Slavic territories of the now former
Austro-Hungarian Monarchy with a transitional government headed in Zagreb. In 1934, King Aleksandar was
assassinated abroad, in Marseilles, by a coalition of two radical groups: the Croatian Ustaše and the Macedonian
pro-Bulgarian VMORO. The Axis occupation of Yugoslavia in 1941 allowed the Croatian radical right Ustaše party
to come into power, forming the so-called "Independent State of Croatia", led by Ante Pavelić, he was styled
(Führer-like) Poglavnik Nezavisne Drzave Hrvatske (i.e. Leader of the Independent State of Croatia). His fascist
puppet regime enacted racial laws, formed eight concentration camps and started a campaign to exterminate
Croatia's ethnic minorities (Serbs, Romas and Jews in presice) and remove the "enemies of the state". Up to
200,000 persons are estimated to have been killed in this campaign, most notably in the Jasenovac extermination
camp. By 1943, the communist Partisan resistance movement had gained the upper hand and in 1945, with the help
of the Soviet Red Army, expelled the Axis forces and local supporters. Croatia became part of the Socialist Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945, which was run by Tito's Communist Party of Yugoslavia. Tito, himself a Croat,
adopted a carefully contrived policy to manage the conflicting national ambitions of the Croats and Serbs. 1980, after
Tito's death economic, political, and ethnic difficulties started to mount and the federal government began to crumble.
The crisis in Kosovo and, in 1986, the emergence of Slobodan Milošević in Serbia provoked a very negative
reaction in Croatia and Slovenia. After the Croatian government had declared independence from Yugoslavia on 25
June 1991, the Yugoslav National Army (JNA) began military actions. A peaceful integration of the remaining
Serbian-controlled territories in Eastern Slavonia was completed in 1998 under UN supervision. Most of the Serbs
expelled from the Krajina region have not returned. The country underwent many liberal reforms beginning in 2000.
An economic recovery as well as healing of many war wounds ensued and the country proceeded to become a
member of several important regional and international organizations. The country has started the process of joining
the European Union, but a perceived lack of co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former
Yugoslavia concerning the tracking down of the indicted general Ante Gotovina long formed difficulties. After
Gotovina's capture on 8 December 2005 negotiations with the aim of Croatia joining the EU have begun, although no
sooner than 2009.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Croatia
middle Paleolithic, Neanderthals lived in Krapina. In the early Neolithic period, the Starčevo, Vinča, Sopot, Vučedol
and Hvar cultures were scattered around the region. The Iron Age left traces of the Hallstatt culture (proto-Illyrians)
and the La Tène culture (proto-Celts).In recorded history, the area was inhabited by the Illyrians, and since the 4th
century BC also colonized by the Celts and by the Greeks. Illyria was a sovereign state until the Romans conquered
it in 168 BC. The Western Empire organized the provinces of Pannonia and Dalmatia, which after its downfall
passed to the Huns, the Ostrogoths and then to the Byzantine Empire. Forebears of Croatia's current Slav population
settled there in the 7th century. The Croats arrived in what is today Croatia in the seventh century. They organized
into two dukedoms; the duchy of Pannonian Croatia in the north and the duchy of Littoral Croatia duchy in the south.
The biggest part of Christianization of the Croats ended in the 9th century. Croatian duke Trpimir I (845–864),
founder of Trpimirović dynasty, fought successfully against Bulgarians, and against Byzantine strategos in Zadar. He
expanded his state in east to the Drava River. The first native Croatian ruler recognized by a pope was duke
Branimir, whom Pope John VIII called dux Chroatorum in 879. The first King of Croatia, Tomislav (910–928) of
the Trpimirović dynasty, was crowned in 925. Tomislav, rex Chroatorum, united the Pannonian and Dalmatian
duchies and created a sizeable state. He defeated Bulgarian Tsar Simeon I in battle of the Bosnian Highlands. The
mediæval Croatian kingdom reached its peak during the reign of King Petar Krešimir IV (1058–1074). Following
the disappearance of the major native dynasty by the end of the 11th century in the Battle of Gvozd Mountain, the
Croats eventually recognized the Hungarian ruler Coloman as the common king for Croatia and Hungary in a treaty
of 1102 (often referred to as the Pacta conventa). The consequences of the change to the Hungarian king included
the introduction of feudalism and the rise of the native noble families such as Frankopan and Šubić. The later kings
sought to restore some of their previously lost influence by giving certain privileges to the towns. The primary
governor of Croatian provinces was the ban. The princes of Bribir from the Šubić family became particularly
influential, asserting control over large parts of Dalmatia, Slavonia and Bosnia. Later, however, the Angevines
intervened and restored royal power. They also sold the whole of Dalmatia to Venice in 1409. As the Turkish
incursion into Europe started, Croatia once again became a border area. The Croats fought an increasing number of
battles and gradually lost increasing swaths of territory to the Ottoman Empire (Battle of Krbava field). The 1526
Battle of Mohács was a crucial event in which the rule of the Jagiellon dynasty was shattered by the death of King
Louis II. The Ottoman Empire further expanded in the 16th century to include most of Slavonia, western Bosnia and
Lika. After the Bihać fort finally fell in 1592, only small parts of Croatia remained unconquered. The remaining
16,800 km² were referred to as the remnants of the remnants of the once great Croatian kingdom. The Croats have
participated in the Thirty Years' War. By the 1700s, the Ottoman Empire was driven out of Hungary and Croatia,
and Austria brought the empire under central control. The Habsburgs eventually secured them (by 1815) and
Dalmatia and Istria became part of the empire, though they were in Cisleithania while Croatia and Slavonia were
under Hungary. Following the Revolutions of 1848 in Habsburg areas and the creation of the dual monarchy of
Austria-Hungary, Croatia lost its domestic autonomy, despite the contributions of its ban Jelačić in quenching the
Hungarian rebellion. Shortly before the end of the First World War in 1918, the Croatian Parliament severed
relations with Austria-Hungary as the Entente armies defeated those of the Habsburgs. Croatia and Slavonia' became
a part of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs composed out of all Southern Slavic territories of the now former
Austro-Hungarian Monarchy with a transitional government headed in Zagreb. In 1934, King Aleksandar was
assassinated abroad, in Marseilles, by a coalition of two radical groups: the Croatian Ustaše and the Macedonian
pro-Bulgarian VMORO. The Axis occupation of Yugoslavia in 1941 allowed the Croatian radical right Ustaše party
to come into power, forming the so-called "Independent State of Croatia", led by Ante Pavelić, he was styled
(Führer-like) Poglavnik Nezavisne Drzave Hrvatske (i.e. Leader of the Independent State of Croatia). His fascist
puppet regime enacted racial laws, formed eight concentration camps and started a campaign to exterminate
Croatia's ethnic minorities (Serbs, Romas and Jews in presice) and remove the "enemies of the state". Up to
200,000 persons are estimated to have been killed in this campaign, most notably in the Jasenovac extermination
camp. By 1943, the communist Partisan resistance movement had gained the upper hand and in 1945, with the help
of the Soviet Red Army, expelled the Axis forces and local supporters. Croatia became part of the Socialist Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945, which was run by Tito's Communist Party of Yugoslavia. Tito, himself a Croat,
adopted a carefully contrived policy to manage the conflicting national ambitions of the Croats and Serbs. 1980, after
Tito's death economic, political, and ethnic difficulties started to mount and the federal government began to crumble.
The crisis in Kosovo and, in 1986, the emergence of Slobodan Milošević in Serbia provoked a very negative
reaction in Croatia and Slovenia. After the Croatian government had declared independence from Yugoslavia on 25
June 1991, the Yugoslav National Army (JNA) began military actions. A peaceful integration of the remaining
Serbian-controlled territories in Eastern Slavonia was completed in 1998 under UN supervision. Most of the Serbs
expelled from the Krajina region have not returned. The country underwent many liberal reforms beginning in 2000.
An economic recovery as well as healing of many war wounds ensued and the country proceeded to become a
member of several important regional and international organizations. The country has started the process of joining
the European Union, but a perceived lack of co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former
Yugoslavia concerning the tracking down of the indicted general Ante Gotovina long formed difficulties. After
Gotovina's capture on 8 December 2005 negotiations with the aim of Croatia joining the EU have begun, although no
sooner than 2009.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Croatia
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
Slobodan Uzelac and Djurdja Adlesic
Deputy Prime Ministers since 12 January 2008
Deputy Prime Ministers since 12 January 2008
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Bozidar Pankretic
Prime Minister since 06 July 2009
Prime Minister since 06 July 2009
Darko Milinovic and Ivan Suker
Deputy Prime Ministers since 13 November 2009
Deputy Prime Ministers since 13 November 2009
