30/14 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Croatia

Human Rights Council Thirtieth session

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Croatia

* The annex to the present report is circulated as received.

Contents

Page

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process ......................................................................... 3

A. Presentation by the State under review .................................................................................... 3

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ................................................. 5

II. Conclusions and recommendations .................................................................................................. 14

III. Voluntary pledges and commitments ............................................................................................... 25

Annex

Composition of the delegation ......................................................................................................... 26

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-second session from 4 to 15

May 2015. The review of Croatia was held at the 13th meeting, on 12 May 2015. The

delegation of Croatia was headed by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of

Foreign and European Affairs, Vesna Pusić. At its 17th meeting, held on 15 May 2015, the

Working Group adopted the report on Croatia.

2. On 13 January 2015, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Croatia: Bangladesh, Brazil and the former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Croatia:

(a) A national report (A/HRC/WG.6/22/HRV/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (A/HRC/WG.6/22/HRV/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR (A/HRC/WG.6/22/HRV/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Mexico, the

Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland and the United States of America was transmitted to Croatia through the troika.

These questions are available on the extranet of the Working Group.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The head of delegation, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and

European Affairs, said she was proud of the progress made by Croatia in the human rights

area and was conscious that making progress was a continuous task. She pointed out that

the level of protection and the scope of definition of human rights was a basic test for any

State of its efficiency and functionality, highlighting especially minority rights, which could

be seen as reflecting the overall status of human rights in a country. Emphasis was placed

on the need for constant interaction between the State and civil society. The legislative and

institutional framework for the protection of human rights in Croatia was based on the

National Programme for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights 2013–2016.

Croatia had four ombudswomen, one for human rights, one for women’s rights, one for the

rights of children and one for the rights of persons with disabilities.

6. The Minister highlighted, among other the issues, free legal aid, the rights of persons

with disabilities, social rights, the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex

persons, national minorities, anti-discrimination, ethnic discrimination (specifically against

vulnerable groups), hate crime, war crimes, the issue of missing persons, displaced persons

and human trafficking.

7. Concerning free legal aid, the new Free Legal Aid Act has two segments, one on

primary legal aid in the form of advice, which can be provided to everybody regardless of

income, and the other on secondary legal aid, which is provided in cases before the court,

depending on the material status and assets of the citizen. Secondary legal aid can only be

provided by lawyers. Aid for victims of domestic violence is universally accessible without

an “income census” (information on income).

8. On the issue of the efficiency of the judiciary, the backlog of cases had decreased

from 1.6 million cases in 2004 to 579,032 cases as of May 2015. Although more effort was

needed, it was highlighted that the improvement was due, in particular, to specialized

courts. The reform of the courts and the public attorney’s system, the reduced number of

courts and public attorney offices, the introduction of information technology, including the

assignment of cases and a simpler misdemeanour procedure had also contributed to the

increased efficiency.

9. Croatia was still dealing with the consequences and the human rights challenges of

the war, even though the war had ended in 1995, just as every society had to deal with the

consequences and the brutalization that happen during war. Croatia had four specialized

courts, in its four biggest cities, with jurisdiction over war crimes. With regard to the

previous practice of sentencing people in absentia, all of those cases were being reviewed

and individuals who had been sentenced in absentia could request that their specific case be

reviewed. There were 16 cases before the European Court of Human Rights regarding war

crimes. In 3 of those cases, the Court had ruled in favour of the plaintiff, stating that the

procedures had indeed not been conducted as they should have; in another 3 cases, the

Court had reconfirmed the procedure and verdict by the Croatian court; and 10 cases had

been dismissed by the Court. That data reflect positively on the functioning, efficiency and

procedural correctness of the Croatian specialized courts. With regard to the prosecution for

war crimes, from 1992 to the end of 2014 proceedings were initiated against 3,553 persons,

of whom 589 were convicted and 220 were undergoing additional investigations.

10. With regard to the issue of sexual violence during the war, a new bill would

recognize the rights of rape victims during the war, including the right to compensation.

11. The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons were

extremely important and significant progress had been made since the first gay pride parade

was held in Zagreb 12 years previously, in a precarious atmosphere. Pride parades had

become a celebration of freedom rather than a struggle. In Split, the Government reacted to

the violence that had occurred during the first gay pride parade by having five government

ministers and the mayor of Split march in the following year’s parade. Not only through

legislation but also by leading by example, the State showed that it had a role to play in

defending human rights. The law on registered partnerships allowed lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex partners to have all the same rights as married couples except the

right to adopt children.

12. In Croatia, over 20 national minorities were recognized by the Constitution. The

status of Serbs and Roma was underlined. Information was shared on the constitutional

provisions for the protection of human rights of national minorities, including the eight

seats reserved in the parliament for ethnic minorities, which had great influence, since they

could make or break a government. Roma were seen as actively making an important

contribution to society. Among the achievements was the fact that Romany was being

taught at Zagreb University and that a Romany-Croatian dictionary had been published.

The land where Roma settlements were built has been legally registered and over 1,500

illegally built Roma houses had been legalized. Funds had been provided by the State. The

Roma had also started the Roma National Council. Moreover, plans had been announced to

build new schools in two communities with a high Roma population, ensuring better

conditions and facilitating integration.

13. Minorities represented 3.5 per cent of State employees, a figure that would have to

improve.

14. It was noted that quotas worked and that a system of quotas for women had been

applied first in the local elections and would be applied in the upcoming parliamentary

elections. Croatia had a modified proportional system of representation; the country was

divided in 10 electoral districts, from each of which 14 members of parliament were

elected. Six of the 14 candidates in each list would have to be women.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

15. During the interactive dialogue, 68 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue can be found in section II of the present report.

16. Trinidad and Tobago noted with satisfaction that since the first cycle of the universal

periodic review in 2010 Croatia had made several improvements to its legal and

institutional framework in the area of human rights. It also welcomed the broad scope of the

National Programme for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights 2013–2016.

17. Turkey applauded the efforts of Croatia to improve the institutional and legal

framework and to contribute to the overall well-being and harmony of diverse communities.

It noted with satisfaction steps taken to combat corruption, appreciating the range of

policies and programmes on the rights of the child, and encouraged strengthening the anti-

discrimination dimension. It appreciated efforts to prevent violence against women and to

improve women’s general standing and self-esteem.

18. Ukraine appreciated the consultations with different stakeholders and civil society in

the preparation of the national report. It acknowledged steps taken by Croatia since the first

cycle of the universal periodic review and commended the adoption of the Law on

Protection from Domestic Violence and the National Strategy of Protection against Family

Violence 2011–2016, and encouraged the effective implementation of those important

documents. It recognized the steps taken to improve the health-care system, particularly for

children.

19. Germany encouraged Croatia to continue on the path of improving human rights and

cooperating with neighbouring countries and with civil society. It noted shortcomings with

regard to the duration of judicial trials and in the area of non-discrimination of women and

minorities, in particular the Serb minority and the Sinti and Roma communities. Germany

was also concerned about discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and

intersex persons.

20. The United States of America hoped Croatia would continue to serve as a model in

respecting human rights, which is key to democratic development and economic growth. It

commended the leadership shown by Croatia on women’s issues as a chair of the Equal

Futures Partnership, a multilateral initiative, and steps taken to address trafficking in human

beings. It expressed concern about discrimination and violence against women and girls,

against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and against ethnic

minorities, particularly Serbs and Roma. It commended the robust structure for addressing

human trafficking and urged for more implementation efforts.

21. Uruguay welcomed the plan on the deinstitutionalization and transformation of

social welfare homes and on legal persons performing social welfare activities for 2011–

2016. It welcomed the entry into force of the Law on Protection of Persons with Mental

Disorders and encouraged Croatia to continue the work in relation to people with

disabilities, particularly people with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities.

22. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended the efforts in the implementation

of the recommendations of the first cycle. It welcomed the National Programme for the

Protection and Promotion of Human Rights 2013–2016 and noted that Croatia had

demonstrated progress in awareness-raising on minorities and vulnerable groups. It also

welcomed the National Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons, and the promotion of gender

equality and political participation of women.

23. Albania congratulated Croatia for the significant steps taken to follow up on the

recommendations since the first cycle, emphasizing the strengthening of the institutional

and legal framework and raising public awareness regarding minorities and vulnerable

groups. It also noted the commitment to proceed to the ratification of the International

Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the fact that

Croatia had actively supported the drafting of the Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

24. Algeria noted with satisfaction the establishment of national programmes in the

areas of health care, the protection of children and prevention from violence within the

family. It also welcomed the existence of such mechanisms as the ombudspersons for

children, for gender equality and for persons with disabilities, as well as cooperation with

human rights mechanisms.

25. Angola welcomed efforts undertaken by Croatia to promote and protect women’s

rights, in particular by adopting the law and national policy for gender equality. It

encouraged the Government of Croatia to continue implementing measures to combat

discrimination through the National Programme for the Protection and Promotion of

Human Rights.

26. Argentina congratulated Croatia on the establishment of the Action Plan for the

Employment of National Minorities in Public Administration Bodies 2011–2014. It also

noted efforts to combat human trafficking by harmonizing national legislation with

international norms. It encouraged Croatia to push forward with the additional measures

mentioned in its national report.

27. Armenia appreciated the steps taken to combat trafficking in women and children,

cooperation with civil society on this issue as well as awareness-raising initiatives through

the media and trainings. It noted efforts to protect the rights of national minorities and

promote inter-ethnic tolerance; however, it also noted that the concerns and issues of

national minorities were not sufficiently represented.

28. Australia acknowledged efforts to address gender-based discrimination and domestic

violence. Australia also noted reports of continued societal discrimination against minority

groups, including in education, employment, housing and health care.

29. Austria noted the measures taken to reduce overcrowding in detention centres and to

improve health care for persons deprived of their liberty. It noted the concerns expressed by

the Committee against Torture and the Committee on the Rights of the Child about the lack

of legal safeguards for these persons and prolonged pretrial detention, particularly for

children. Austria also expressed concern about reports of police officers being inadequately

trained to respond to domestic violence and of victims sometimes being arrested and

charged along with the perpetrators.

30. Benin appreciated the efforts made by Croatia since the first cycle and welcomed the

ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect

to Intercountry Adoption and the adoption of the protocol on procedures relating to acts of

sexual violence.

31. Bosnia and Herzegovina noted the concerns expressed by the Office of the United

Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that, of the Serb minority returnees, 15 per cent

did not have access to potable running water, 33 per cent lived in villages without paved

roads and 40 per cent did not have access to public transportation. It also noted the high

unemployment rate (68 per cent) among minority returnees. It also noted that minority

returnees faced problems regarding their right to a pension.

32. Brazil commended Croatia for strengthening its national legal and institutional

human rights framework through the entry into force, in 2011, of the Act on the

Ombudsman, which also performs the functions of a national preventive mechanism, and

the Act on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities.

33. Bulgaria commended the implementation of key strategic documents and efforts to

combat hate crime, ensure free legal aid and improve education on human rights. It

appreciated concrete measures taken to strengthen the effectiveness of its efforts to protect

women’s rights and combat domestic violence. Bulgaria noted the adoption of some

progressive legislation on gender-based violence. It acknowledged the efforts within the

national preventive project entitles “Living without violence”, which involves different

stakeholders including police and non-governmental organizations.

34. Canada welcomed the support of Croatia for the 2010 universal periodic review

recommendation to take measures to eliminate discrimination against the Roma

community. Canada expressed concern about reports that Roma are often unable to access

State services because they lack legal status inside the country.

35. Chile commended the commitment to human rights and the ratification of human

rights treaties. It welcomed the adoption of laws on discrimination against national

minorities, gender equality and the right to legal assistance. It highlighted the entry into

force of the Act on the Ombudsman in 2011. It also commended the establishment of an

office to promote gender equality.

36. With regard to the rights of persons with disabilities, the head of the Croatian

delegation emphasized deinstitutionalization as the leitmotif of current policies and said

that this was a process for people with both physical and mental disabilities. A number of

institutions that used to be centres where people with disabilities lived had been

transformed to provide outpatient services within the community. People with disabilities

had achieved integration through assisted living, among other means, and children with

disabilities had achieved integration by attending regular schools. Assistance was provided

where it was necessary. People with mental and intellectual disabilities specifically were

being integrated, including by having voting rights. A measure introduced in order to

further facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities stipulated that every company

with more than 20 employees had to employ at least one person with disabilities; that figure

increased as the number of employees increased.

37. Concerning the questions about domestic violence, changes had been made to the

Criminal Code, namely the stipulation that domestic violence was a criminal offence. Dual

arrests (the arrest of the victim and the perpetrator) were no longer happening. Information

was provided on the measures in place during and after the proceedings to separate the

perpetrator from the victim and the home. Croatia had 19 safe houses for victims of

domestic violence.

38. On the fight against corruption, Croatia had taken a bold and controversial step in

prosecuting and investigating officials at the highest levels in order to address the issue at

the highest possible levels. The anti-corruption strategy for 2015–2020, which had been

adopted in February 2015, had been developed in a participatory manner: over 40

participants took part in designing it, including non-governmental organizations.

39. On gender equality, the pervasive, covert discrimination against women in the area

of employment was noted. To eliminate the disadvantage faced by women seeking

employment, paternity leave had been introduced.

40. Croatia had spent 5–6 billion euros on housing some 354,000 returnees, of whom

about 130,000 were ethnic Serbs. Through the housing programme, 149,887 persons had

been provided with houses and others with the material to restore their houses or were

housed in another way. Some 480 people were still without a house or had the status of

refugees. Regarding abandoned property given for use to other persons, all but 13 cases

have been resolved, of which 7 were in the process of being resolved.

41. China commended Croatia for its constructive engagement with the universal

periodic review. It also commended the adoption of the new Free Legal Aid Act, the Social

Welfare Act 2014 and the four-year national policy for gender equality, to further improve

and protect women’s rights to employment and health and to prevent domestic violence. It

welcomed efforts on Roma rights and on developing the national strategy for Roma

inclusion for 2013–2020.

42. Costa Rica commended Croatia for the progress made towards a fairer society in

terms of access to power and for the law on gender equality, which promotes the

participation of women elected to office. Costa Rica urged Croatia to strengthen human

rights education programmes through the Croatia national programme.

43. Cuba appreciated the implementation of the National Programme for Protection and

Promotion of Human Rights 2013–2016 and the National Policy for Gender Equality 2011–

2015; the establishment of the National Committee to Combat Violence in Sport; the

adoption of the new Law on the Position and Jurisdiction of Courts and Law Jobs and the

Jurisdiction of State Prosecutors.

44. Cyprus commended measures taken by the Government of Croatia to implement its

international human rights obligations. It particularly welcomed the initiatives undertaken

for the promotion of the rights of women and children, as well as measures taken for the

elimination of all forms of discrimination.

45. The Czech Republic welcomed the delegation of Croatia and thanked it for its

national report and appreciated the response to some of the advance questions.

46. Egypt acknowledged positive developments in institutional and legislative reforms

and policy implementation. It welcomed the efforts to eliminate sexual violence, combat

hate speech, enhance the availability and quality of legal aid in the context of the judicial

system, upgrade the national human rights institution and combat and prevent torture and

ill-treatment in detention centres. Egypt commended the strides made in ensuring better

representation of women in public and political life.

47. Estonia noted the progress in the area of human rights and in the implementation of

most recommendations and commended Croatia for implementing the policy suggestions

made during the previous review. Estonia welcomed the entry into force of the Act on the

Ombudsman and the adoption of the acts on asylum and anti-discrimination, among others.

It acknowledged the ongoing endeavours to promote gender equality and stop

discrimination against women.

48. France welcomed the ratification of the Hague Convention in December 2013 and

efforts to grant to the victims of sexual violence during the 1991–1995 war the status of

civilian victims of the conflict. France wished to know about measures to prevent and

suppress hate speech and punish threats against journalists.

49. Georgia welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Reduction of

Statelessness and commended Croatia for its efforts to strengthen human rights protection

at the national level. Georgia asked Croatia to provide information on how the correctional

measures had been implemented towards juvenile criminal offenders. It noted the steps

taken in respect of juvenile pretrial detention.

50. The United Kingdom noted the adoption of progressive legislation on civil

partnerships, the implementation of the national strategy for Roma inclusion and the

constitutional law on minorities. It recognized the work of the ombudsperson for disabled

persons, but regretted the lack of coordination in implementing the national strategy for

equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

51. Greece noted with appreciation developments with regard to the rights of women,

particularly the gender equality act and the development strategy for female

entrepreneurship 2014–2020 and commended Croatia for increasing the representation of

women. It also commended it for developments in promoting the rights of the child and for

efforts to promote the rights of children and the National Strategy on the Rights of Children

2014–2020 as well as efforts to promote the rights of children with disabilities.

52. Hungary welcomed the steps taken to strengthen the institution of the ombudsman

and acknowledged difficulties in allocating more resources. It acknowledged progress in

combating discrimination, but noted that challenges remained, particularly with regard to

national and ethnic minorities.

53. Indonesia commended Croatia for the measures taken in implementing

recommendations from the first universal periodic review by ratifying the Hague

Convention as well as continuing the National Programme for the Protection and Promotion

of Human Rights 2013–2016 and welcomed the emphasis on gender equality. It noted the

positive developments in the institutionalization of mentally ill persons and the

implementation of laws to combat human trafficking and protect victims of domestic

violence.

54. Iraq noted the progress that had been made in protecting human rights, particularly

the adoption of social protection laws and the workplan on minorities. It welcomed

measures to combat corruption and domestic violence, promote the participation of women

in public life and remove pay inequality between men and women.

55. Ireland welcomed measures taken to promote inclusive education through the

national strategy for Roma inclusion and its associated action plan and hoped that these

efforts would continue and would assist Croatia in executing the European Court of Human

Rights ruling in Oršuš and Others v. Croatia. It urged Croatia to increase the administrative

capacity of the courts to adjudicate on war crimes cases. It noted the concerns of the Special

Rapporteur on violence against women about reparations for women victims of wartime

violence and expressed concern at the treatment of persons with disabilities, particularly the

increasing number of children with disabilities in institutional care and the lack of adequate

treatment and care in institutions.

56. Israel welcomed the delegation of Croatia and thanked it for its national report. It

noted the progress that has been made in the field of human rights since its first universal

periodic review. It referred to the reports of the Croatian ombudsperson and the Committee

on the Rights of the Child in providing its recommendations.

57. Italy commended Croatia for adopting the protocol on procedures in cases of sexual

violence. It took note of the legal framework to protect the rights of persons belonging to

minority groups and expressed satisfaction with the level of protection and integration

enjoyed by the Italian autochthonous minority in the Istrian county.

58. Kyrgyzstan noted the engagement of Croatia with the United Nations, particularly

OHCHR, and other international organizations in the area of human rights, the measures

taken to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for the empowerment of women

and the results achieved through the implementation of the national plan of activities for the

rights and interests of children (2006–2012).

59. Libya applauded Croatia for implementing recommendations from the first review

and valued the progress made in protecting human rights. It welcomed the measures taken

in respect of racial discrimination, gender equality, domestic violence and violence against

women, children’s rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, migrants, trafficking in

persons and asylum seekers. Libya welcomed measures in the administration of justice and

the efforts to reduce the backlog of unresolved cases.

60. Malaysia noted efforts made since the first review to strengthen the legislative and

institutional framework. It commended efforts on gender equality and women’s

empowerment as well as on children’s rights through the adoption of the National Strategy

on the Rights of Children. It noted challenges in the promotion and protection of human

rights, including in combating domestic violence and the negative attitudes and prejudices

against ethnic minorities.

61. Maldives welcomed the entry into force of the Act on the Ombudsman, the

amendment of the Social Welfare Act and the adoption of the Family Act of 2014. It noted

efforts to provide inclusive education for children with disabilities and achievements on the

welfare of children. It encouraged coordination between government bodies dealing with

the welfare of children.

62. Mexico commended Croatia for the entry into force of the Free Legal Aid Act and

expressed the hope that access to legal aid would be ensured pursuant to the principle of

non-discrimination, including to migrants and asylum seekers. It encouraged Croatia to

ensure that the functions of the Ombudsman would receive appropriate support from the

parliament and other government bodies.

63. Montenegro commended Croatia for its endeavours in relation to the lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender and intersex population and welcomed the adoption of the Life

Partnership Act establishing legal rights, including to marry, for same-sex couples. It asked

about the results achieved and about future plans to promote and protect the rights of

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. Montenegro appreciated the efforts

in promoting and protecting the rights of children. It noted progress in reducing the number

of children in institutions and strengthening day-care services.

64. Morocco welcomed the measures taken to combat discrimination. It noted the

adoption of a national strategy to create a favourable environment for civil society. It

congratulated Croatia for the progress made in improving the rights of women and

combating domestic violence. It noted the ongoing implementation of policies for gender

equality.

65. Namibia applauded Croatia for the various efforts made to eliminate discrimination

and equality, such as the National Programme for the Protection and Promotion of Human

Rights 2013–2016, the action plan for removing barriers to achieving equal rights in the

area of integration (2013–2015) and the National Policy for Gender Equality 2011–2015.

66. The Netherlands welcomed efforts to achieve gender equality and expressed concern

about the levels of domestic violence against women. It expressed concerned over the

administrative capacity of the courts to deal with war crime prosecutions and witness

support and protection, the speed of investigations and the dealing with the remains. It also

expressed concern about the lack of independence of the judiciary, which weakened the

rule of law.

67. Nicaragua stated that the human rights situation in Croatia had improved with the

adoption of the gender equality act and the ratification of the Hague Convention, as well as

of the Family Act, which governs the rights of the child.

68. Nigeria commended the National Programme for the Protection and Promotion of

Human Rights 2013-2016 and the set-up of the Ombudsman mechanism. It welcomed

government efforts to implement anti-discriminatory measures, promote gender equality

and introduce a mechanism for combating hate crimes. It further commended Croatia for

the implementation of the Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities and

noted efforts on the project entitled “Living without violence”.

69. Norway commended Croatia for its efforts to improve its legislation against hate

crimes and discrimination, noting that incidents of violence, particularly towards Serbs and

Roma, remained a serious issue. It was concerned by the number of unresolved cases

relating to severe human rights violations during the war, while the selection of cases

remain disproportionately directed against Serbs. Norway noted the lack of an efficient

system to support victims of sexual and domestic violence.

70. The Philippines was encouraged by the national policy for gender equality, which,

among others, addresses the wage gap and provides support for female entrepreneurs. The

Philippines encouraged Croatia to include Roma women as beneficiaries of equal treatment.

It also appreciated the measures to strengthen the protection of victims of trafficking.

71. Poland thanked the delegation of Croatia for the presentation of its national report

and acknowledged the work done in recent years regarding the implementation of

international human rights standards.

72. Portugal welcomed the commitment to protect and promote human rights, especially

since its first report under the universal periodic review. Portugal highlighted improvements

to the institutional framework and the signing of the Optional Protocol to the Convention

on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure.

73. The Republic of Korea welcomed the ratification of the Hague Convention, the

establishment and implementation of National Programme for the Protection and Promotion

of Human Rights 2013–2016 and the National Strategy of Protection against Family

Violence, as well as the legislation of the new Free Legal Aid Act. It remained concerned

about the lack of an adequate response to family violence or violence against children.

74. The Republic of Moldova commended the progress made, including through

implementing the National Programme for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

2013–2016 and strengthening the Ombudsman’s Office. It acknowledged the activities to

increase sensitivity in reporting on human trafficking. Noting concerns about unfavourable

views towards victims of trafficking among professionals, it was interested in learning more

about public awareness activities targeting doctors, prosecutors and judges to better

understand the situation of these victims. It noted the National Strategy on the Rights of

Children and the incorporation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of

Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse in the Criminal Act.

75. Romania welcomed the adoption of various strategies and action plans, such as the

National Policy for Gender Equality 2011–2015 and the national strategy for Roma

inclusion 2013–2020 and its action plan, and the measures taken to combat hate crimes. It

also noted the positive action taken in the treatment of persons belonging to minorities and

in education.

76. The Russian Federation noted the efforts of Croatia to implement its international

human rights obligations. It also noted that challenges remained with regard to gender

equality, discrimination against the Serb and Roma minorities and the rights of people with

disabilities.

77. Rwanda commended Croatia for adopting the protocol on procedures in cases of

sexual violence and for implementing anti-discrimination measures. It noted with

appreciation that plans for the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection

of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance had been initiated.

78. Serbia acknowledged measures taken to protect the rights of members of national

minorities, but noted that discrimination still persisted and that members of the Serb

minority, including returnees and refugees, continued to face severe problems. It also stated

that accountability for past human rights violations should be ensured and unresolved cases

of enforced disappearance should be investigated in an impartial and transparent manner.

79. Sierra Leone commended Croatia for drawing up human rights policies and

strategies including the National Strategy of Protection against Family Violence, the

National Strategy on the Rights of Children and the National Health-Care Strategy. It urged

Croatia to further facilitate the promotion of women, particularly from minority groups, in

sociopolitical spheres and the labour market. Sierra Leone also called on Croatia to submit

long overdue reports to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the

Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

80. Slovakia commended efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional framework

through the National Programme for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights 2013–

2016 and the work of the Office of Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities.

Recognizing the focus put on the rights of the child, Slovakia encouraged the authorities to

ensure that all children with disabilities and children placed in institutions have equal

access to education. It was pleased with the efforts made to integrate persons with

disabilities.

81. Slovenia welcomed the positive development in promoting gender equality and the

rights of women, children and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. It

commended the work of the Ombudsman’s Office and specialized ombudsmen for children,

gender equality and persons with disabilities.

82. Spain congratulated Croatia on all the measures it had adopted to eradicate violence

against women. Spain commended Croatia for the measures taken to ensure inclusive

education for children with disabilities.

83. The State of Palestine welcomed the efforts made to promote the rights of the child

and commended Croatia for the steps taken to improve inclusive education. However, it

remained concerned that children in vulnerable and disadvantaged situations did not always

enjoy equal access to education.

84. Sweden noted that the integration of minorities in Croatian society had proved

challenging and that Croatia had received the lowest number of asylum seekers in the

European Union. It appreciated the recent law aimed at encouraging employers to hire and

create jobs for persons with disabilities.

85. Switzerland welcomed the efforts made by Croatia to think critically about the war

of the 1990s and stated that it was essential to pursue efforts, in particular regarding the

crimes committed during that period. It also reiterated its concerns on the protection of the

rights of minorities.

86. Thailand commended the numerous legal reforms, such as the voter registry act, and

praised the achievements in promoting gender equality. It encouraged Croatia to continue

addressing the remaining gender disparities. It remained concerned about domestic violence

and noted the lack of resources allocated to the ombudsperson for persons with disabilities.

It welcomed the National Health-Care Strategy.

87. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia commended the establishment of the

working group for reforming rules to entry in the judicial profession as a means of

safeguarding the independence of judiciary. It asked the delegation to expand on concrete

steps taken to protect victims of domestic violence and to give information on the progress

made on the empowerment of women in political and economic spheres.

88. Timor-Leste commended the adoption of several laws, including the Law on

Protection of Persons with Mental Disorders, welcomed the entry into force of the Act on

the Ombudsman and noted with appreciation the achievements made to combat sexual

exploitation and abuse. Timor-Leste remained concerned about the lack of adequate support

systems for victims, particularly the limited access to prevention programmes for children.

89. In concluding remarks, the head of the Croatian delegation touched upon a number

of issues raised by the delegates. Four conventions (the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure, the Optional

Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the

Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic

Violence) were at different stages of ratification. Concerning the International Convention

on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families,

Croatia, as a State member of the European Union, adhered to the common policy on

migration and would, therefore, continue functioning within that framework. Moreoaver,

Croatia had provided a ship as part of European efforts to save refugees in the

Mediterranean.

90. On the issue of trafficking in human beings, the important challenges of such

trafficking were addressed. Education and training efforts such as seminars on recognizing

cases of human trafficking and awareness-raising programmes were taking place. Since

Croatia had been identified as a country of both origin and destination, especially during the

tourist season, emphasis had been placed on training police officers, border guards and

communities.

91. Concerning the issue of children in prisons, delegates were informed that there were

currently 65 children in different forms of detention, correctional institutions or juvenile

prisons. Pretrial detention was being reduced to the shortest possible period and took place

in secured educational facilities where continual psychological, social and health care was

being provided.

92. On the overcrowding of prisons, an issue from 2010, delegates were informed that,

by introducing probation for minor offences and community work instead of prison

sentences, Croatian prisons now held a population (3,800 prisoners) that was slightly below

capacity (3,900 prisoners).

93. Concerning language and, specifically, the use of Cyrillic script for the Serb

minority, Croatian law prescribed that when 30 per cent or more of a community was

composed of a minority, that group had the right to use its language and script. The

Government had implemented that law not only in areas where the situation was not very

controversial but also where it was controversial, as in Vukovar, which had been

completely destroyed during the war and still nursed very deep wounds. The Government

was fighting opposition to the law in that town and had called for cross-border cooperation,

especially with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, on raising awareness of the importance

of minority languages in those sensitive areas.

94. On pensions for returnees, it was clarified that returnees had pensions. The

unresolved issue concerned the pensions of those who had not returned and who remained

outside Croatia; the issue was under review and a solution was being sought, also with the

Government of Serbia.

95. On the issue of missing persons, there were still 1,590 such persons, of whom 930

were ethnic Croats and 660 ethnic Serbs; almost all of them were from Croatia. Serbia and

Croatia, including the heads of the respective delegations personally, were working together

on the issue.

96. On hate crimes, information was provided on the protocol on acting in hate crime

incidents and on the statistics. In 2014, the police identified 22 cases of hate crime

incidents, while the prosecutor’s office acted in 60 such cases. Of those cases, 12 were

solved, 6 with in a conviction; the others were still being processed.

97. On the independence of judiciary, the Croatian judiciary was completely

independent of the State and the Government. That was not enough, however, as the

judiciary also needed to be independent from any other influence outside of the law and the

rules of procedure and had to function to the highest standards. It was something that

Croatia was working on.

98. The head of the Croatian delegation concluded by thanking the President of the

Human Rights Council and the delegates for the discussion and the recommendations and

for raising important issues.

II. Conclusions and recommendations

99. The following recommendations will be examined by Croatia, which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirtieth session of the Human

Rights Council, in September-October 2015:

99.1 Join more human rights treaties and optional protocols (Israel);

99.2 Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of

All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and recognize the competence of its

Committee (Uruguay);

99.3 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Argentina) (France) (Costa Rica) (Portugal);

99.4 Ratify without delay the International Convention for the Protection

of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Bosnia and Herzegovina);

99.5 Accelerate efforts to ratify the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Rwanda);

99.6 Accelerate the progress to ratify the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Iraq);

99.7 Proceed to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of

All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Serbia);

99.8 Intensify efforts to ratify the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Sierra Leone);

99.9 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal) (Greece);

99.10 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant

on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (France);

99.11 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Namibia);

99.12 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on a communications procedure (Morocco) (Portugal) (Benin);

 The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.

99.13 Speed up the process of the ratification of the Optional Protocol to

the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure

(Slovakia);

99.14 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Kyrgyzstan); accede to

the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant

Workers and Members of Their Families (Sierra Leone);

99.15 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Rwanda)

(Philippines) (Nicaragua);

99.16 Consider ratifying the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189),

of the International Labour Organization (Nicaragua) (Philippines);

99.17 Sign and ratify relevant international instruments relating to

refugees and asylum seekers (Benin);

99.18 Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Prevention and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Netherlands)

(Austria); accede to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Turkey)

99.19 Ensure rapid ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on

Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence

(Italy);

99.20 Strengthen its efforts to properly respond to allegations of domestic

violence, including by training police officers, prosecutors and judges, and to

ensure that women victims of violence obtain adequate redress and support

(Austria);

99.21 Approve the budgetary funds needed to assume the obligations under

the Council of Europe Convention on Prevention and Combating Violence

against Women and Domestic Violence, and therefore proceed to its ratification

(Spain);

99.22 Take concrete measures to fight all forms of violence against women,

including by ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on Prevention and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Germany);

99.23 Recognize the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of

Racial Discrimination in pursuance to article 14 of the International

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Algeria);

99.24 Continue to strengthen its human rights framework, including

through giving full implementation to existing institutional and legal

protections (Australia);

99.25 Review compliance of the Criminal Code, which now defines

domestic violence only as a bodily injury, with the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and as elaborated

on in general recommendation No. 19 of the Committee on the Elimination of

Discrimination against Women (Czech Republic);

99.26 Strengthen the legislation suppressing advocating crimes against

humanity and ensure the training of judges on its application, as well as the

issues of civic education in public schools (France);

99.27 Strengthen the legal framework in order to reduce the adverse effects

affecting victims of domestic violence, in particular women (Angola);

99.28 Address the legislative gap that relates to domestic violence offences

and update the Criminal Code to recognize domestic violence as a criminal

offence (Trinidad and Tobago);

99.29 Translate the initiatives of the National Strategy for Protection

against Domestic Violence 2011–2016 and the National Anti-Discrimination

Plan 2008–2013 into concrete laws (Indonesia);

99.30 Redouble efforts aimed at the implementation of legal provisions

against domestic and gender violence, with particular attention to raising the

awareness and proper training of the police (Mexico);

99.31 Address remaining legislative and implementation gaps, including to

fully protect and support victims (Australia);

99.32 Amend the social welfare act and other laws which deny persons with

disabilities their right to work or which allow their placement in institutions

without their consent (Mexico);

99.33 Decriminalize defamation (Estonia);

99.34 Review the legislation on defamation and strengthen the training for

judges on the implementation of freedom of expression (France);

99.35 Consider reviewing its Aliens Act in favour of temporary residents on

humanitarian grounds (Nigeria);

99.36 Intensify efforts at improving and strengthening its human rights

institutions (Nigeria);

99.37 Increase the human and financial resources made available to the

office of the ombudsperson to enable it to fulfil its expanded mandate (Sierra

Leone);

99.38 Allocate the necessary resources to ensure the effective operation of

the office of the ombudsman (Timor-Leste);

99.39 Even if only in a modest and gradual way, increase the personnel and

financial allocations to the ombudsman in order to ensure that the stronger

legal position of the office is also reflected in its human and financial capacities

(Hungary);

99.40 Explore ways of providing the necessary resources to ensure the

independent and effective operation of the ombudsman’s office (Ukraine);

99.41 Consider establishing an interministerial committee responsible for

the implementation of its international human rights obligations, inter alia, for

coordinating the drafting of national reports to the treaty bodies (Portugal);

99.42 Finalize the draft strategy and action plan to combat corruption and

effectively prosecute the perpetrators of corruption acts (Turkey);

99.43 Implement and apply human rights legislation in practice as well as

implement the ombudsman’s recommendations (Slovenia);

99.44 Consider developing human rights indicators, as suggested by

OHCHR, as an instrument that allows for a more precise and coherent

evaluation of national human rights policies (Portugal);

99.45 Continue implementing its various national programmes and policies,

in particular the National Programme for the Protection and Promotion of

Human Rights 2013–2016 and the action plan for removing barriers to

achieving equal rights in the area of integration 2013–2015 (Indonesia);

99.46 Ensure the effective implementation of the new National Strategy for

the Rights of Children 2014–2020 (State of Palestine);

99.47 Accelerate the effective implementation of the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its harmonization at the national level

(Uruguay);

99.48 Intensify awareness-raising campaigns and education programmes

on human rights in order to prevent ill-treatment of boys and girls (Uruguay);

99.49 Take all necessary measures to deter perpetrators and to develop

programmes and policies in order to prevent sexual exploitation as well as

programmes to socially reintegrate child victims (Timor-Leste);

99.50 Develop a policy, strategy and action plan to address the reportedly

widespread violence against women (Sierra Leone);

99.51 Effectively implement the National Strategy of Protection against

Family Violence 2011–2016 (Republic of Korea);

99.52 Intensify its efforts to ensure effective law enforcement for domestic

violence against children and women, to bridge the gap between legislation and

practice, along with enhancing awareness of victims’ rights and training for

public officers and legal professions (Thailand);

99.53 Step up efforts to effectively implement national strategies for gender

equality (Morocco);

99.54 Continue efforts to generate greater inter-institutional coordination

and availability of resources for the agencies responsible for the welfare of

minors, both girls and boys (Chile);

99.55 Strengthen the national plan for combating discrimination through

the incorporation of indicators and monitoring measures, through

determination of the authorities responsible for its implementation and through

a time frame for achievement of the goals (Mexico);

99.56 Promote inter-ethnic tolerance through adequate measures, including

awareness-raising campaigns in the media in close cooperation with civil society

and minority associations (Serbia);

99.57 Undertake awareness campaigns directed towards the judiciary with

a view to promoting non-discrimination (Norway);

99.58 Dedicate additional resources to enhance the capacity of centres for

victims of sexual and domestic violence (Norway);

99.59 Continue with its efforts in further increasing the awareness of

gender equality and equal opportunities and foster implementation of its

national policies in this regard (the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia);

99.60 Continue strengthening the programmes developed for the promotion

of employment, right to food and social assistance for national minorities and

other vulnerable sectors of the population (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

99.61 Establish a sustainable cooperation between the Ministry of Interior

and civil society organizations dealing with domestic and gender-based violence

(Poland);

99.62 Continue the implementation of the plan on the deinstitutionalization

and transformation of social welfare homes and on legal persons performing

social welfare activities for 2011–2016, with a view to reducing the number of

children in institutions (Slovakia);

99.63 Consider allocating necessary resources to support programmes

which promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities (Thailand);

99.64 Include civil society organizations in the process before finalizing and

submitting the national report (Norway);

99.65 Submit its overdue reports to the human rights monitoring bodies

(Portugal);

99.66 Submit its second periodic national report to the Committee on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which has been due since 2006 (Republic

of Korea);

99.67 Strengthen efforts towards promotion of gender equality (Cyprus);

99.68 Take further steps to ensure and enhance women’s rights on all levels

(Greece);

99.69 Enhance efforts to fight all forms of discrimination against women

and gender-based violence (Italy);

99.70 Fully ensure gender equality in employment and in political posts

(Russian Federation);

99.71 Adopt specific legislation pertaining to gender discrimination in the

labour market, including sexual harassment in the workplace and

discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy and/or maternity (Trinidad and

Tobago);

99.72 Ensure the elimination of any form of discrimination against

children, especially children in marginalized and disadvantaged situations

(Turkey);

99.73 Eliminate discrimination in employment, particularly for women and

members of the Roma population, pursuant to recommendations of the

International Labour Organization supervisory bodies; (United States of

America);

99.74 Strengthen non-discrimination against women, particularly in the

workplace (Algeria);

99.75 Intensify efforts to detect, prevent and combat trafficking in children

for sexual and other types of exploitation (Uruguay);

99.76 Step up the fight against racism, xenophobia and hate speech and

adopt measures to promote poverty reduction, social inclusion and social

assistance (Angola);

99.77 Strengthen human rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and

transgender persons, in line with Croatia’s international obligations and

commitments as well as with domestic legislation (United States of America);

99.78 Continue to further improve conditions for juveniles in pretrial

detention facilities (Georgia);

99.79 Continue its efforts to reduce overcrowding in prisons and improve

detention conditions, including by promoting diversion and other alternatives

to detention where possible (Austria);

99.80 Step up efforts to combat the overcrowding of prisons, and in

particular provide more correctional detention facilities for female prisoners

(Republic of Korea);

99.81 Implement programmes and policies for the prevention of all forms

of violence against children, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and to

strengthen social recovery and reintegration of child victims (Republic of

Moldova);

99.82 Continue ensuring effective implementation of its domestic laws on

the protection of the family and prevention of violence against women and

children (Israel);

99.83 Reinforce its efforts to protect children, especially those in

marginalized and disadvantaged situations (Maldives);

99.84 Redouble efforts in combating domestic violence and violence against

women, including through ensuring effective implementation of the National

Strategy of Protection against Family Violence 2011–2016 (Malaysia);

99.85 Further strengthen measures to prevent and punish trafficking in

persons, especially women and children, with the prosecution of offenders and

rehabilitation of victims (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

99.86 Implement the Human Rights Committee’s March 2015

recommendations on gender-based violence (Bulgaria);

99.87 Work towards the compliance of pretrial detention (remand)

procedures, which includes children, with international law standards and

national regulations (Libya);

99.88 Investigate and prosecute all cases of arbitrary detention in

psychiatric hospitals and social care institutions, in line with the

recommendation made by the Special Rapporteur on violence against women

(Germany);

99.89 Increase the number of investigations, intensify the investigative

work and improve the efficiency of judicial procedures before national courts

in the case of crimes committed during the war of the 1990s and strengthen

efforts to determine the fate of all missing persons in Croatia (Switzerland);

99.90 Investigate all unresolved cases of missing persons and bring

perpetrators to justice (Estonia);

99.91 Enhance training methods for collecting evidence against suspected

human traffickers to increase successful prosecutions, and ensure convicted

trafficking offenders are punished with sentences commensurate with the

gravity of the crime (United States of America);

99.92 Take urgent steps to ensure that women victims of wartime violence

have access to justice and reparation, including adequate psychosocial and

economic support, as well as access to health-care services (Ireland);

99.93 Improve services and support for women victims of domestic violence

by conducting effective investigations, vigorously prosecuting the perpetrators,

ending the practice of prosecuting victims and ensuring victims have access to

protection and shelters (Canada);

99.94 Tackle the subject of torture in a comprehensive way, including by

fighting impunity and providing for compensation of victims (Costa Rica);

99.95 Prosecute all cases of human rights violations, war crimes and crimes

against humanity in a non-discriminatory and impartial manner, consistent

with the requirements under the International Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights (Serbia);

99.96 Continue working particularly with regard to protecting the rights of

victims of sexual violence and domestic violence, in particular through training

of health, police and judicial personnel (Uruguay);

99.97 Further step up its efforts to investigate and prosecute effectively war

crimes and strengthen the capacity of domestic courts and witness protection

mechanisms in this regards (Czech Republic);

99.98 Enhance the capacity of domestic courts and witness protection

mechanisms so as to improve the efficiency in domestic war crimes

prosecutions (Austria);

99.99 Increase the administrative capacity of courts to a sufficient level, to

provide adequate support and protection to witnesses, to accelerate the

investigation and prosecution of war crimes and to take the necessary steps to

excavate all known mass/common graves and to identify all the remains

(Netherlands);

99.100 Continue and deepen the measures necessary for the investigation

and punishment in the courts of persons suspected of participation in war

crimes and crimes against humanity (Argentina);

99.101 Demonstrate a clear track record of war crime cases which shows

standardized sentencing through a fair and non-discriminatory process (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

99.102 Ensure accountability for all manifestations of ethnicity-based hate

speech, racism and extremist rhetoric in the public sphere (Serbia);

99.103 Ensure efficient, non-discriminatory investigations and timely

prosecutions as part of the enforcement of hate crime legislation (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

99.104 Give impetus to accelerate the regional process on the question of the

thousands of persons who are still missing, which is vital for the rule of law as

well as for regional reconciliation (France);

99.105 Continue the actions undertaken in the criminal processing of war

crimes (France);

99.106 Continue ensuring the prosecution of cases of hate crimes (Israel);

99.107 Take effective measures to investigate and prosecute war crimes,

including rape and other sexual abuse, and ensure that war crimes trials are

carried out expeditiously and fairly by an independent and impartial tribunal

(Canada);

99.108 Step up its efforts to curb domestic violence (Philippines);

99.109 Promote policies and educational campaigns for the promotion and

protection of the rights of women, and ensure that all allegations of violence

against women are promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigated, that

perpetrators are held accountable and that women victims of violence obtain

adequate redress, including compensation and rehabilitation (Brazil);

99.110 Continue to provide adequate funding to its anti-human trafficking

programmes and free legal aid system (Philippines);

99.111 Strengthen the accountability and prosecution of law enforcement

officers who commit abuses against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

persons and ethnic minorities (Chile);

99.112 Continue to realize the right to work for its citizens, including

through providing opportunities for vocational training and technical

education for young people (Egypt);

99.113 Continue working for a reduction in female unemployment and the

elimination of discrimination against women in the labour market and for

achieving equality of opportunities (Cuba);

99.114 Strengthen efforts on the empowerment of women by implementing

programmes aimed at changing society’s perception of women and removing

barriers affecting the employment of women (Malaysia);

99.115 Continue the effective implementation of the action plan on

employment for minority groups to achieve the set targets (China);

99.116 Continue its efforts to reach the threshold of 5.5 per cent share of

minorities in the total number of employees, in line with the Action Plan for the

Employment of National Minorities in Public Administration Bodies 2011–

2014, in particular in those regions where minorities have significant presence

(Hungary);

99.117 Take measures to safeguard the right to an adequate standard of

living, including by expediting the return of Croatian Serbs to their homes and

by upholding commitments under the regional housing programme (Canada);

99.118 Continue ensuring the full realization of the right to safe drinking

water and sanitation for all (Egypt);

99.119 Strengthen the welfare system, particularly related to the protection

of children without appropriate care and their access to education (Slovenia);

99.120 Realize the right to adequate housing by ensuring the right of post-

war returnees to recover privately owned housing, regardless of their ethnic

background, and by improving housing conditions in returnee communities

(Germany);

99.121 Take further measures with a view to ensure that all children enjoy

equal access to health services (Ukraine);

99.122 Take steps to ensure adequate support and access to health-care

facilities for those in rural areas (Maldives);

99.123 Work towards more balanced geographical coverage of health-care

services with specific focus on rural areas (Egypt);

99.124 Adopt clear, appropriate measures to improve the rights of children

to education (Libya);

99.125 Establish State-wide inclusive education, including through the

allocation of necessary resources, and provide regular training for school

personnel (State of Palestine);

99.126 Ensure that children in vulnerable and disadvantaged situations have

equal access to education (Armenia);

99.127 Continue its efforts aimed at ensuring equal access to education,

including to children in vulnerable and disadvantaged situations (Romania);

99.128 Increase its efforts to ensure that children in vulnerable situations,

including Roma children, have equal access to education and to end segregation

of Roma children in schools (Austria);

99.129 Intensify efforts towards providing all children with equal access to

education, including the Roma children (Nigeria);

99.130 Consider ensuring an effective, inclusive education for children with

disabilities, and to improve universal design to ensure accessibility to everyone

(Israel);

99.131 Elaborate integrated measures to ensure unimpeded access for

persons with disabilities (Russian Federation);

99.132 Take all necessary measures to lift all existing barriers in the

enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities, with particular attention to

their right to live independently, to have access to adequate health care services

and to be integrated in the community (Greece);

99.133 Develop further actions to improve community services and support

for persons with disabilities (Cuba);

99.134 Ensure that services for persons with disabilities support to the

greatest extent possible their independence and that more community-based

living choices are created for them in compliance with the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Czech Republic);

99.135 Take all appropriate measures to ensure the rights of people with

mental or intellectual disabilities (Cyprus);

99.136 Provide facilities to ensure that persons with disabilities can live

independently, have access to public and private buildings and have equal

opportunities to education, employment and health services, with a support

structure particularly for children so challenged (Trinidad and Tobago);

99.137 Refrain from institutionalizing children with disabilities, and ensure

sufficient alternative family- and community-based care options for children

with disabilities (Ireland);

99.138 Monitor the implementation and ensure compliance with the law on

vocational rehabilitation to make sure that persons with disabilities are not

subject to discrimination and have equal opportunities to find employment

(Sweden);

99.139 Provide comprehensive care to victims of landmines and cluster

munitions through its development plans and the application of the Convention

on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Costa Rica);

99.140 Continue to develop measures that guarantee inclusive education for

children and girls with disabilities without discrimination, with particular

emphasis on rural areas (Spain);

99.141 Adopt further measures in order to ensure the participation of

persons belonging to national minorities in the decision-making process

(Romania);

99.142 Take all necessary measures to provide equal access to all public

services for all members of minority groups in the country (Namibia);

99.143 Take effective measures to end all forms of discrimination against

ethnic minorities, in particular the Serb minority and the Sinti and Roma

(Germany);

99.144 Continue its efforts to combat discrimination and ensure equal

treatment of all ethnicities and minorities (Ukraine);

99.145 Fully recognize the situation of the minority groups and take ample

action in order to meet these challenges, including combating discrimination

against minority groups, not least the Serb and Roma minorities (Sweden);

99.146 Fully ensure linguistic, religious and other rights of minorities, in

compliance with international obligations (Russian Federation);

99.147 In light of the recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the

Child, act on combating discrimination by targeting situations of

discrimination and vulnerability affecting children belonging to all minorities

(Nicaragua);

99.148 Continue work for improving the rights of the Roma community, in

compliance with the national strategy for the inclusion of Roma and the Action

Plan for the Decade of Roma Inclusion (Albania);

99.149 Step up existing efforts towards the protection of the rights of

minorities, especially by fighting discrimination against children of Roma

descent in the field of education, and by guaranteeing the right to adequate

housing of the Serbian minority (Brazil);

99.150 Intensify its efforts to promote inter-ethnic harmony through

education, and implement concrete measures for the integration of minorities

into Croatian society (Norway);

99.151 Continue efforts to facilitate the professional, social and economic

inclusion of all national and ethnic and other minority groups, including the

Serbian minority, represented in Croatia (Poland);

99.152 Take measures aimed at increasing the representation of minority

groups in the public and private spheres (Armenia);

99.153 Ensure that the Serbian minority is not discriminated against in the

provision of posts in the public sector and in real estate acquisitions or rental

applications (Switzerland);

99.154 Take further concrete and effective steps towards protection and

social inclusion for all minority groups (Australia);

99.155 Enhance efforts to fight discriminatory attitudes and behaviours

against all persons belonging to minority groups, including by allowing the use

of one’s own language at school and in interaction with the public

administration (Italy);

99.156 Fully implement the Constitutional Act on the Rights of National

Minorities and take action to implement Constitutional Court decisions

regarding the Act on Usage of Languages and Scripts of National Minorities

(Canada);

99.157 Provide full respect of minority rights guaranteed by positive

legislation, including the right to use minority languages and scripts,

specifically the Cyrillic script (Serbia);

99.158 Continue to implement the State policy on immigration, and

constantly adjust and improve the policies and measures according to the new

situations of the protection of the rights of migrants (China);

99.159 Review its asylum procedures to increase the efficiency of the asylum

granting processes and ensure the protection of unaccompanied migrant

children (Sweden);

99.160 Further sensitize the Croatian public to the asylum question, in order

to facilitate the integration of asylum seekers (Sweden);

99.161 Continue its efforts to meet the benchmarks of the action plan

regarding the building of the housing units for the returnees (Albania);

99.162 Adopt measures that guarantee access to rights for all people

returning to the country irrespective of the cessation of the condition of

refugees (Argentina);

99.163 Continue to implement the obligations deriving from the Sarajevo

Declaration vis-à-vis the successful integration of refugees and to further

accelerate the implementation of the existing national housing care programme

(Bosnia and Herzegovina);

99.164 Give more priority to returnee communities for economic

development initiatives, so that returnees are given easier access to social

welfare systems and to take effective measures to recognize their years of work

and their right to a pension (Bosnia and Herzegovina);

99.165 Ensure for asylum-seeking children effective and non-discriminatory

access to education (Kyrgyzstan);

99.166 Protect the rights of minorities, in particular by providing access to

basic services for the Roma minority, including the ability for stateless Roma to

obtain Croatian nationality, in accordance with its human rights obligations

(Switzerland);

99.167 Continue ongoing efforts, both nationally and in its bilateral dialogue

with Serbia, to ensure the return of refugees and displaced Croatians of

Serbian origin to their homes and the recovery of all their rights, especially

with regard to their property, pensions and social rights, thereby ensuring a

comprehensive solution to a problem that affects both Croatians of Serbian

origin and Serbs of Croatian origin (Spain).

100. All conclusions and recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting States and the State under review. They should not be

construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

III. Voluntary pledges and commitments

101. Croatia took the opportunity to announce that the midterm universal periodic review

will be prepared in order to address the level of implementation of all recommendations

received from the second cycle.

Annex

[English only]

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Croatia was headed by H.E. Ms. Vesna Pusić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, and composed of the following

members:

• H.E. Ms. Vesna Vuković, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations in Geneva

• Ms. Vesna Batistić Kos, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

• Mr. Krešo Glavač, Head of Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

• Ms. Danijela Barišić, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

• Mr. Ivan Crnčec, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Croatia

• Mr. Branko Sočanac, Director, Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities of the Republic of Croatia

• Mr. Dražen Vitez, Deputy of General Police Director for General Police Matters, Ministry of Interior

• Ms. Dubravka Marušić, Head of Sector for Social Policy and Policies for Children, Youth and Family, Ministry of Social Policy and Youth of the Republic of Croatia

• Ms. Ana Puljić Žunjić, Head of the Division for Human Rights and Regional International Organisations and Initiatives, Ministry of Foreign and European

Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

• Ms. Zvjezdana Janičar, Head of Service for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Policy and Youth

• Mr. Josip Paradžik, Senior Advisor Specialist, Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia

• Ms. Romana Kuzmanić Oluić, Counsellor, Division for Human Rights and Regional International Organisations and Initiatives, Ministry of Foreign and European

Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

• Ms. Tatjana Vlašić, Adviser, Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities of the Republic of Croatia

• Ms. Ivana Kožar Schenck, Third Secretary, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations in Geneva

• Ms. Katarina Andrić, Attaché, Division for Human Rights and Regional International Organisations and Initiatives, Ministry of Foreign and European

Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

• Mr. Tomislav Boršić, Expert Assistant, Department for Cooperation with International Criminal and Other International Courts, Directorate for European

Affairs, International and Judicial Cooperation, Ministry of Justice of the Republic

of Croatia