Statement
by
Mr. Ivan Nimac
Depuy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations
General Assembly Fifty-ninth Session,
Informal thematic consultations on Cluster III (Freedom to live in dignity) of the Report of the Secretary General "In larger freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all"
19 April 2005
Mr. President,
The Republic of Croatia welcomes the opportunity to provide its views on the clusters of issues presented in the Secretary-General''''s report, and on the cluster Freedom to live in dignity in particular. The Croatian delegation fully aligns itself with the statement of Luxembourg on behalf of the EU, but wishes to provide some additional brief comments on particular aspects of the report.
The Republic of Croatia recognizes the indispensability of the protection and promotion of the universal values of the rule of law, human rights and democracy, as well as their interconnectivity with security and development.
Lasting peace and security can only be founded upon the rule of law. Croatia supports a stronger UN role in building state capacity to allow states to deliver rule of law for all their citizens and, in this way, to build security between states. Croatia welcomes the proposal of the Secretary-General for a treaty event at the High-level plenary meeting in September, as well the proposal for strengthening the treaty protection of civilians in armed conflict situations.
Human rights, as one of the fundamental pillars of the UN system, should be further strengthened and consolidated through human rights education and their promotion in the context of gender equality. In this regard, Croatia welcomes the proposal to establish the Human Rights Council, as a concrete demonstration of the increasing importance being placed on human rights in the international community.
Croatia, as a signatory of the Warsaw Declaration of the Community of Democracies fully recognizes the importance of strengthening democracy and advancing its global acceptance as a universal value. In this vein, Croatia supports the enhancement of the United Nations capacity to promote and reinforce democratic institutions and practices around the world. Capacity building can strengthen states by reinforcing the institutions which ensure rule of law and equity of access.
Finally, the Government of the Republic of Croatia looks forward to participating in an active dialogue, which would allow for constructive exchange of views and creative responses in the lead up to the High-level plenary meeting in September.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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