- Published: 22.05.2025.
33 years of Croatia’s UN membership
This marked the symbolic and political international recognition of Croatia as a sovereign state and an equal participant in the international community. Amidst the Homeland War, this event was of tremendous importance, representing global affirmation of Croatia’s independence, a boost for continued diplomatic and political efforts, and a powerful message of hope to Croatian citizens that their struggle for freedom and peace—the fundamental values of the United Nations—had gained international legitimacy.
Croatia’s foreign policy journey, from the struggle for territorial integrity and peaceful reintegration to today’s active engagement in shaping global processes, is a testament to the profound transformation of the country. From being a subject of international affairs, Croatia has become an active, constructive, and credible partner within the international community.
Exercising its right to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, Croatia launched the military-police operation "Storm," which laid the groundwork for the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement signed 30 years ago. Croatia was one of the signatories of this agreement, which marked the end of the conflict in the neighbouring country. By doing so, Croatia reaffirmed its full and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its Euro-Atlantic integration path. This also laid the foundation for the peaceful reintegration of Croatia’s Danube region through the UNTAES mission—one of the most successful UN peacekeeping operations in history. Based on these experiences, members of the Croatian Armed Forces, as well as Croatian police officers and diplomats, have made important contributions to UN peace missions over the past 30 years.
In the current era of crisis in multilateralism, Croatia remains a strong advocate for upholding the UN Charter and an international order based on respect for the rule of law. In developing global policies, Croatia promotes an integrated approach that encompasses humanitarian, sustainable development, environmental, and security dimensions. Croatia continues to champion the preservation of international peace and security, the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the responsibility of states to protect civilians and the most vulnerable groups—particularly in the face of severe and large-scale human rights violations, mass atrocities, and genocide. In this context, Croatia also places particular emphasis on resolving the issue of persons missing from the Homeland War.
Croatia is actively engaged in global efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has also contributed to shaping the Pact for the Future and its two annexes—the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations—adopted at the Summit of the Future in September last year. Through this, Croatia reaffirms its strong commitment to effective multilateralism and enhanced international cooperation. In order for the Organization to effectively respond to today’s numerous, complex, and emerging challenges, ongoing reform is essential to ensure it remains both effective and fit for purpose in fulfilling its established standards and the high expectations of the international community.
With the aim of contributing to the development of necessary global policies and standards and preserving shared values and principles, Croatia has, particularly over the past two decades, secured membership and leadership roles in the UN’s most important bodies and agencies, including the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Human Rights Council, and the Peacebuilding Commission. In the past year, two Croatian experts were elected to serve on UN bodies: Dr. Ivan Šimonović to the Human Rights Committee and Ms. Jasminka Dinić to the Committee on Contributions. Croatia continues to actively campaign for renewed membership in the Security Council, ECOSOC, the Human Rights Council, and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as for numerous other positions within the wider UN system.
On the 33rd anniversary of Croatia’s membership in the United Nations—and at a time when the foundations of the international order are increasingly being challenged—Croatia remains firmly committed to the UN Charter, to building peace, protecting human rights, and promoting sustainable development. Over the long term, Croatia’s foreign policy remains focused on responsible, proactive, and principled engagement in the international arena, with the goal of preserving global security, strengthening international law, and creating a fairer and more resilient world for future generations and challenges to come. This year, Croatia proudly commemorates significant milestones in its history and pays tribute to its defenders from the Homeland War, whose sacrifices form the foundation for the country’s continued development and future.