On July 1, 2024, Deputy Ombudswoman Tatjana Vlašić participated in the 141st session of the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva. Among the topics was the Fourth Periodic Report of the Republic of Croatia on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
At the session, Deputy Vlašić presented key information on the state of human rights in Croatia and answered questions from Committee members. Her presentation was based on a Parallel Report submitted to the Committee in June by the Ombudswoman in cooperation with the special ombudspersons, fulfilling the obligation of the Ombudswoman as Croatia’s National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) with A status.
The report draws from complaints submitted by citizens, fieldwork, research, and data collected from various stakeholders—government bodies, civil society organizations, trade unions, employers, universities, and others. It covers a wide range of topics concerning civil and political rights and serves as a response to questions posed to the state by the Human Rights Committee.
Progress Noted, But Issues Remain
The report notes that since the Committee’s previous concluding observations on Croatia in 2015, a number of strategic documents and legislative amendments have been adopted to promote and protect human rights. For example, in March 2023, the Government adopted the National Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and the Suppression of Discrimination for 2023–2027, along with two accompanying action plans for 2023—considered a positive development.
However, the report also points out a lack of specific measures and actions sufficient to address all identified needs and problems. Action plans for the 2024–2025 period have yet to be adopted. Additionally, a national plan for creating a supportive environment for civil society development is still missing—the previous strategic document in this area expired in 2016.
In the area of anti-corruption efforts, the report highlights ongoing challenges with employer-appointed confidential persons in whistleblower protection. Whistleblowers themselves often lack awareness of the protections offered under the Whistleblower Protection Act. Case law remains sparse, lower courts show inconsistency in handling cases, and proceedings are not always treated as urgent—thus weakening the effectiveness of whistleblower protection and reducing motivation to report wrongdoing.
The report also reviews issues related to racial and ethnic discrimination, particularly the dire conditions many Roma live in, and challenges faced by members of the Serbian national minority. Other topics include freedom of religion and religious discrimination, freedom of expression, hate speech, and hate crimes. It further examines the treatment of asylum seekers and irregular migrants, the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and the treatment of people deprived of liberty—such as in the prison system—alongside concerns about the judiciary.
As the session continued, representatives of the Croatian Government and civil society organizations addressed the status of civil and political rights in Croatia.
The Human Rights Committee’s session ran from July 1 to 23, 2024, also reviewing reports from Honduras, India, the Maldives, Malta, Suriname, and Syria.
Concluding Observations and Recommendations
In its Concluding Report dated September 11, 2024, the UN Human Rights Committee acknowledged positive developments over the past period but also highlighted key ongoing challenges. Consequently, the Committee issued a series of recommendations across various domains.
The Committee expressed concern about the absence of a national mechanism to coordinate and systematically monitor the implementation of recommendations aimed at addressing identified issues—emphasizing the urgent need to establish such a mechanism.
It also recommended improving education and public awareness regarding the Covenant and its Optional Protocols, particularly among judiciary and law enforcement officials.
Efforts to combat corruption need to be intensified and expedited. In the justice sector, the highest standards of transparency, independence, efficiency, and citizen access to justice must be ensured.
More effort is required to desegregate and eliminate discrimination against Roma and ensure that all national minorities can fully exercise their legally guaranteed rights, such as the effective use of their own language and script, and fair representation in public administration, judiciary, and law enforcement.
The Committee stressed the need to effectively combat hate speech and hate crimes, particularly against members of national minorities such as Serbs and Roma, but also against individuals of other religious beliefs or sexual minorities. Anti-discrimination policies, strategies, and plans should include stronger protection for LGBTQ+ persons.
Croatia must also take stronger action to reduce gender stereotypes regarding the roles and status of women and men in society, combat violence against women more systematically, and fully respect women’s reproductive rights—including unhindered and safe access to abortion for those who choose it.
It is important to ensure proper conditions in detention and prison facilities, aligned with international standards, address overcrowding—through the use of alternative measures—ensure access to healthcare for detainees, and combat violence among inmates.
To effectively combat human trafficking—especially of vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers—ongoing education of law enforcement and judiciary officials is necessary, as well as thorough investigations, victim support, and public awareness efforts.
Regarding the protection of migrants and asylum seekers, illegal pushbacks at the borders and potential excessive use of force by police officers must be prevented. Access to international protection and asylum must be guaranteed for all who request it.
In the area of freedom of expression, journalists must be protected from intimidation, threats, and attacks, including strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) aimed at silencing them. Journalists must be able to work freely and safely. Legislation should be tailored to enable reporting on matters of public interest—not just to protect journalists, but also whistleblowers.
About the UN Human Rights Committee
The UN Human Rights Committee is a body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Covenant was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and is a legally binding document of historical significance, obligating State Parties to respect, protect, and actively fulfill human rights. The Republic of Croatia has been a party to the Covenant since 1991.