Alternativni izvještaj o primjeni ICERD u Republici Hrvatskoj
Alternative Report on the Implementation of the ICERD in Croatia

Author(s): Ljubomir Mikić
Subject(s): Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Government/Political systems, Politics and society, Nationalism Studies, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Ethnic Minorities Studies, Politics and Identity
ISSN: 1849-7314
Published by: Srpsko narodno vijeće, Arhiv Srba u Hrvatskoj
Keywords: Alternative Report; ICERD in Croatia; hate speech and violence against Serbs; prevention and prosecution of all cases of hate crimes and other ethnically motivated violence; economic and social disparities between regions; inter-ethnic tolerance;
Summary/Abstract: This alternative report has been drafted with the aim of examining the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) in the Republic of Croatia. It represents an alternative source of information with reference to the country report on the implementation of the Convention for the period 2007 — 2018. The substance of the report is focussed on the practical application and effects of selected provisions in the Convention with regard to Serbs, who make up the most numerous ethnic minority in the country. Serbs' position in the Croatian society is largely determined by the legacy of inter-ethnic intolerance and the armed conflict of the early 90s, due to which they have been continuously exposed to greater risk of racial discrimination in relation to other social groups. The Alternative Report comprehensively lists the weaknesses and problems in the implementation of national anti-discrimination regulations and policies. It places a special emphasis on considerations regarding adequate investigation, prosecuting and sanctioning, as well as public condemnation and prevention, of hate speech and violence against Serbs. While recognising that a certain degree of progress has been achieved during the reporting period, the Alternative Report also draws attention to the still-present problems of sustainability of the return and reintegration of Serbs who had fled, or had been displaced, their access to their rights, as well as the inconsistent and problematic process of realising certain legally guaranteed rights and freedoms. The report suggests that the Croatian authorities' public expressions of dedication to the struggle against racial discrimination need to be substantially and comprehensively reaffirmed by consistent and decisive action to implement anti-discrimination regulations and policies, which is as yet lacking, as well as prompt and unambiguous public condemnation of inter-ethnic violence and hate crime, hate speech and other manifestations of intolerance towards Serbs.

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