Ombudswoman Tena Šimonović Einwalter, Deputy Ombudswoman Tatjana Vlašić, and Adviser Janja Pavković visited, in early May, the survivors of the devastating earthquakes accommodated in container settlements in Sisak and Petrinja. During the visit, they also met with representatives of local authorities and civil society.
While in Sisak, they visited two container settlements and spoke with residents about the challenges they face, particularly concerning post-earthquake reconstruction and housing. They toured the settlements accompanied by representatives of the PGP Sisak association and the Sisak Red Cross. In addition to discussing reconstruction, they addressed other issues faced by citizens who reach out to these organizations for help. On the same occasion, they also visited the Roma settlement of Capraške Poljane, where they discussed both the consequences of the earthquake and reconstruction efforts, as well as other pressing issues affecting the residents.
During a meeting with the Deputy Mayor of Sisak, Marko Krička, Ombudswoman Šimonović Einwalter discussed the changes introduced by the new Reconstruction Act, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by citizens.
In Petrinja, Ombudswoman Šimonović Einwalter and her team met with representatives of the city administration and the local Red Cross. In a meeting with the Mayor of Petrinja, Magdalena Komes, they discussed the current state of reconstruction and the prevailing issues affecting citizens, along with specific socio-economic factors unique to the Petrinja area that significantly impact the overall post-earthquake revitalisation of the region.
Petrinja has two additional container settlements, Mošćenica and Sajmište. Currently, eight multi-apartment buildings are under construction, with another eight planned, which should help address the shortage of housing in the city.
Since the Petrinja Home for Older Persons is still under renovation, the lack of suitable accommodation for older persons remains an issue. Possible solutions to this situation were also discussed.
During the visit to the Sajmište container settlement in Petrinja, Ombudswoman Šimonović Einwalter spoke with representatives of the local Red Cross, with a particular focus on the needs of earthquake survivors currently living there and the difficulties they face. Moreover, Red Cross representatives pointed out that older persons living alone in rural areas are often affected by poverty and social exclusion. Furthermore, access to safe drinking water remains a challenge in Sisak-Moslavina County, as wells continue to be unusable even after repair efforts.
More information on the impact of the earthquakes on the enjoyment of human rights, the right to adequate housing, the rights of older persons, and the social welfare system is available in the Ombudswoman’s 2022 interactive report [here].