Social justice is one of the foundations of social progress. It is achieved by reducing poverty and ensuring equal opportunities in employment, education, and other areas of life—something only possible in a society that respects human rights, freedoms, and the equality of all its members. To promote these values and support their implementation, the United Nations declared February 20th as World Day of Social Justice, which this year is observed under the theme “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice.”
In Croatia, numerous challenges to achieving social justice persist, as regularly highlighted by Ombudswoman Lora Vidović, particularly in her reports to the Croatian Parliament. Nearly one in five people in Croatia is at risk of poverty, and this figure rises to one in two among individuals over 65 who live alone. For this reason, the introduction of a national allowance for the older persons—the so-called “National Pension”—announced for 2021, is a welcome measure. The Ombudswoman has recommended such a policy in her reports.
Social justice is also realized through respect for labor rights—ensuring employment free from discrimination, providing regular and fair wages that support a dignified life for workers and their families, and protecting all social and labor rights. However, many complaints received by the Ombudswoman indicate that these rights are often violated. Citizens frequently report abuses of fixed-term contracts, non-payment of wages, and undeclared work. Additionally, for years, the most common discrimination complaints have been in the field of employment, often based on political beliefs, union membership, or age.
These are just some of the barriers to achieving social justice in Croatia that the Ombudswoman continues to highlight. They span a wide range of areas, including social welfare, healthcare, housing, the judiciary, finance, and environmental protection. Some positive developments have followed her recommendations—for instance, new regulations now encourage food donations, significantly supporting the work of social supermarkets. Additionally, amendments to the Socially Stimulated Housing Construction Act now prevent the sale or rental of these housing units, ensuring they fulfill their intended purpose: providing housing solutions for those in need.
A new analysis of human rights and discrimination, along with recommendations for addressing citizens’ challenges, is currently being prepared. The Ombudswoman will present these findings to the Croatian Parliament in her 2019 Annual Report, due by the end of March.