Nearly 118,000 residents in the earthquake-affected areas of Sisak-Moslavina County require some form of humanitarian assistance, including access to healthcare, water, free legal and psychosocial aid. Living conditions in container settlements also need significant improvement.

These are some of the key findings presented in the publication “Assessment of Humanitarian Needs in Sisak-Moslavina County“, discussed at a press conference by Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Human Rights Boris Milošević, Ombudswoman Tena Šimonović Einwalter, humanitarian coordinator Dijana Durić, and ADRA Croatia Director Slavica Marčeta.

Deputy Prime Minister Milošević emphasized that humanitarian organizations involved in the Coordination have done a tremendous job preparing the assessment, with support from the Civil Protection Headquarters and state institutions. From the outset, the Government recognized and supported these efforts, and civil society organizations have added great value to the necessary relief work in the earthquake-stricken areas.

A total of 3,500 families have lost their homes. Nearly 700 people are living far from their homes in container settlements, while others remain in temporary shelters in the yards of their destroyed houses. Around 6,000 households receive monthly humanitarian aid packages with food, water, and hygiene supplies. The earthquake also caused substantial damage to the economy and agriculture.

“In line with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, we must ensure that no one is left behind. We need to mobilize resources to provide a dignified life for those affected. I appeal to our partners and the donor community for continued support, because we must stand united with those in need,” said Dijana Durić, the humanitarian coordinator for Sisak-Moslavina County.

More than half of those in need belong to vulnerable groups such as children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, the socially disadvantaged, the unemployed, and national minorities.

“The conditions in which vulnerable groups live are a key indicator of human rights in a country. It is the state’s responsibility to ensure dignified living conditions and access to essential rights such as healthcare, legal aid, and social services,” said Ombudswoman Šimonović Einwalter. She added that civil society organizations, active even in the most remote and affected areas, play a crucial role in delivering direct aid and support. Therefore, supporting these organizations is an essential part of protecting human rights, especially for the most vulnerable.

Regarding the elderly, she noted that the earthquake had only exacerbated existing challenges—especially for those living in isolated areas. Among surveyed vulnerable households, 43% were single-person households, and in nearly half of them, the residents were elderly. Pensioners made up 43% of those surveyed, with 67% receiving pensions under 2,000 HRK (~265 EUR).

Slavica Marčeta of ADRA Croatia shared a specific field experience:
“Mrs. Nevenka, whose house was marked red, finally received a container after a long wait. She had diabetes, and due to her isolation from all infrastructure, roads, and lack of public transportation, she hadn’t seen a doctor in over two years. Her container lacked essential utility connections, so she continued living in her damaged house. Despite her circumstances, she remained full of life. Unfortunately, she passed away after a medical emergency. Her home, and the herbal remedies she made from nearby forests, were always open to rare visitors. Nevenka is a symbol of many elderly, ill, and helpless individuals who may never see reconstruction, struggling to survive until their final days. Let this story inspire civil society organizations, the government, and the donor community to work together for those most at risk.”

The publication was prepared by the Humanitarian Coordination of Sisak-Moslavina County, representing the humanitarian community and its partners. It is based on surveys conducted among residents in container settlements, group accommodations, and those outside organized housing, alongside reports from humanitarian field organizations and institutions.

Beyond identifying problems, the publication outlines solutions to basic living challenges. These include ensuring access to medications and transportation to doctors for residents of both container settlements and remote locations. Strengthening communication among field organizations and developing a targeted strategy is critical to meeting real needs, avoiding redundancy, and making better use of resources—especially for water and food distribution.

It also recommends providing sanitary facilities in accommodations that still lack them, and establishing spaces for free legal and psychosocial assistance within container settlements. For children’s well-being and to help parents return to the workforce, expanding the capacity and accessibility of kindergartens and improving transportation infrastructure is vital.

The needs assessment will serve as a key data source for future activities in Sisak-Moslavina County, including advocating for systemic solutions and fundraising by civil society organizations to continue supporting the most vulnerable residents.

Download the publication here.

 

About the Coordination
The Humanitarian Coordination of Sisak-Moslavina County was established on January 8, 2021, to facilitate collaboration among civil society organizations and international entities in responding to the humanitarian needs of earthquake-affected populations. It currently includes 24 active organizations, such as:

  • Association for the Promotion of IT, Culture and Coexistence
  • Solidarna – Foundation for Human Rights and Solidarity
  • Serbian National Council
  • ADRA Croatia
  • Croatian Center for Volunteer Development
  • UNICEF
  • Local Democracy Agency Sisak
  • Day Center for the Blind
  • Civic Rights Project Sisak
  • Zamah Foundation
  • Cooperative for Ethical Financing
  • Student Catholic Center Osijek
  • Merhamet Charity Society
  • Volunteer Center Zagreb
  • Suncokret – Community Development Center
  • Mamin blog
  • Documenta – Center for Dealing with the Past
  • Initiative of Independent Volunteers
  • Croatian Red Cross (Petrinja, Sisak, Glina, Hrvatska Kostajnica branches)
  • Office of the Ombudswoman (associate member)