Institute for International Relations

Ivan Simonovic (ed.), 1999, IMO, Zagreb

IV. Human Rights

The question of human rights is high on the order of Croatia's priorities. Following the establishment of control over the formerly occupied areas, ongoing efforts are needed for the reintegration of the local population as well. The war has left deep wounds. However, irrespective of the obstacles, the level of protection of human rights must be enhanced so to reach the high standards enshrined in the country’s Constitution and the international treaties to which Croatia is a party.

As a response to the gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law resulting from the aggression against the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the institution of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation was introduced in 1992. While the situation in Croatia has improved since the end of the conflict and following resumption of control over formerly occupied parts of the country, and while the human rights situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is also improving despite all difficulties, the situation in the FRY is worsening with new conflicts and spreading human rights violations. Taking into account the significant difference in the state of human rights as well as the disparate trends in their protection, Croatia has taken the position that it is necessary to separate the mandate of the Special Raporteur for each of the three countries. Furthermore, the situation in Croatia calls for a different type of mandate, one which would be increasingly redirected towards technical assistance and co-operation.

Apart from national humanitarian priorities pertinent to the return of refugees and displaced persons, as well as efforts to achieve reconciliation and proceed with reconstruction and development, Croatia also closely followed the debate on the implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. On this matter, Croatian delegates spoke on the broader challenges faced in the field of human rights. The 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights presented a good opportunity to evaluate the protection of human rights as well as global trends. Croatia lent its support to the strengthening of regional and global protection mechanisms, including the establishment of the International Criminal Court.

The return to peace and stability in Croatia has allowed for the further consideration of different human rights issues. In this context the Croatian delegation gave particular emphasis to the advancement of women pursuant to the Beijing Platform for Action, as well as implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.