International Human Rights Day: Croatia is strengthening the protection of all citizens and remains committed to international standards

On International Human Rights Day, 10 December, we mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a fundamental document setting universal standards of freedom, equality and dignity for every person

Human rights protection encompasses a system of principles, laws and mechanisms that protect the dignity, freedom, equality and safety of every person and ensure that everyone can enjoy their fundamental rights without discrimination.

Today, in a time marked by armed conflicts and crises, we are again facing serious violations of fundamental rights and freedoms. Vulnerable groups are particularly affected: women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and persons belonging to national and other minorities. That is why it is more important than ever to recall the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration and to work actively to preserve them.

It is therefore important to point out that Croatia remains committed to protecting the fundamental freedoms and dignity of each individual and to recalling the key achievements made over the past year.

An important step was taken in this area in November this year, when Croatia successfully presented its Fourth Report as part of the Universal Periodic Review - a unique mechanism by which all UN member states report on the human rights situation every five years.

Progress has been made in strengthening institutions, legislative reforms and protecting vulnerable groups. In particular, the Criminal Code was amended to transpose the European Anti-Trafficking Directive and introduce the criminal offence of femicide. Croatia is among the first countries in Europe to legally define femicide. Furthermore, under the framework of the Barnahus project, the establishment of the first national Children's House was initiated, which will provide comprehensive and coordinated support to children victims of violence.

In the area of media freedom, it has been legally confirmed that journalists cannot be held criminally liable for reporting in the public interest. At the same time, the government has invested in strengthening the free legal aid system and in the fight against hate speech, for which a wider range of qualifications has been added to criminal legislation.

Protection of the rights of national minorities remains one of the pillars of the Croatian constitutional order. New Operational Programmes for National Minorities 2024-2028, which comprise the general programme and specific programmes for 22 minority communities, confirm the continuity of the policy of inclusion and strengthening minority rights.

This year, special attention has been paid to digital accessibility. A traditional roundtable entitled "Digital Accessibility from Law to Practice" on 23 September highlighted the challenges that persons with disabilities continue to face in the digital environment, but also the positive developments achieved by aligning national legislation with European standards. Further attention will be paid to strengthening education, monitoring and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the development of digital services, especially in the context of the accelerated development of artificial intelligence.

Education and awareness-raising are necessary in order to create a culture of inclusion and prevent the creation of inaccessible digital content, enabling the exercise of human rights of all persons involved in the process.

By marking International Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the universal values of democracy, the rule of law, equality and respect for human dignity. This day is a reminder that human rights are to be protected, nurtured and reaffirmed through the responsible action of states, institutions as well as every individual. Croatia will continue to actively contribute to strengthening efforts to protect and promote human rights, as the foundation of a fair, secure and humane society.

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