STATEMENT
by
Ambassador Mirjana Mladineo
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Croatia
General Assembly
Sixtieth Session
Third Committee
Item 39: Report of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions
United Nations, New York
November 10, 2005
Mr. Chairperson,
Croatia has aligned itself with the EU statement, but I would like to add a few points based on Croatia''''s specific experience concerning this matter.
At the outset, allow me to thank the High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. Guterres for his statement and comprehensive report that provides an account of the activities of his office during 2004/2005.
I would also like to extend the appreciation of the Croatian Government for the cooperation and very good work of the UNHCR Office in Zagreb in providing assistance to facilitate durable solutions in the post - Dayton context and to strengthen asylum and emergency preparedness in Croatia. The UNHCR Office in Zagreb has, inter alia, provided advice on the Asylum Act adopted in 2004 as well as organising training for policemen and judges on asylum issues.
Mr. Chairperson,
The proactive policy of the Croatian Government concerning the return of refugees and internally displaced persons has resulted in significant progress in the return process during the last several years. Apart from being a party to the relevant international instruments, Croatia has put in place domestic legislation to ameliorate the situation of refugees and the displaced persons in respect of public housing.
The Croatian Government is undertaking numerous activities to facilitate the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to the areas of their previous residence, including through the reconstruction of damaged and destroyed housing stock and basic infrastructure, repossessing property and housing, providing temporary accommodation, clearing landmines, and facilitating the preconditions for economic growth in the areas of return.
The Croatian Government, in cooperation with OSCE and UNHCR, has undertaken several public information campaigns aimed at creating a favourable atmosphere for return, including a series of public appeals by senior Government officials directed at displaced persons and refugees.
Since the beginning of the process of return in 1995, a total number of 335,909 returnees have been registered, out of which 217,865 are internally displaced persons, mostly ethnic Croats, and 118,044 ethnic Serb returnees, the majority from Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Based on the expected returns and on reconstruction and housing requests submitted by the refugees still living abroad, the remaining number of potential returnees is estimated at around 20,000.
With respect to internally displaced persons, there are still 3,636 displaced Croats and 1,665 displaced Serbs, the majority of whom are waiting to return to the Vukovar area.
In June this year the UN Secretary General’s representative for internally displaced persons Mr. Walter Kälin visited Croatia. He underlined the need for abolishment of prejudices toward returnees in the local community. The Croatian Government is fully supportive of Mr. Kälin’s recommendation of further strengthening of economic development and enabling employment incentives which are essential for the social inclusion of all returnees.
Mr. Chairperson,
I would also like to use this opportunity to mention an important regional initiative undertaken in the beginning of this year in order to facilitate the return process. On 31 January 2005 the Governments of the Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro signed the Sarajevo Declaration on refugee return with the aim of completing the refugee return process by the end of 2006.
The Croatian Government adopted a Road Map in July this year for the implementation of the Sarajevo Declaration with clearly defined activities, deadlines and budget. The Government has allocated a total of €300 million from the 2005 national budget for the implementation of the Road Map.
The Road Map includes the following:
· Housing solutions for the remaining refugees through reconstruction and other provision of housing;
· Infrastructure and development programs in the return areas (including electricity network and supply, renovation of municipal and social infrastructures);
· Mine clearing operations;
· Solution for the remaining 3,000 citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina who still have refugee status and are staying in Croatia;
· Exchange of data with Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina (undertaking a survey on the intention of the remaining refugees to return to Croatia and an evaluation of their exact number).
Mr. Chairperson,
The Republic of Croatia has made significant progress but still face challenges concerning the issue of refugees and IDP-s. These challenges are by and large economic in nature. The Government is committed to make every possible effort to resolve the remaining obstacles in order to meet all the returnees’ needs, in particular relating to their safety, dignity and well being. In this regard, the settlement of the refugee question before the end of 2006 is high on the Croatian Government’s agenda.
Thank you.
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