State Secretary Gordan Bakota met Commissioner for Human Rights Alvaro Gil-Robles

Commissioner for Human Rights Gil-Robles expressed satisfaction with the positive atmosphere and Croatia’s readiness to continue with the work on improving human rights of all her citizens. Gil-Robles commended the determination of the Croatian Government to enable the return of all refugees, and to respond to claims for property return by the end of the year and for tenant’s right of tenure in the near future. He rated the co-operation with the ICTY favourably and emphasised positive efforts made by the Ministry of Justice and the General Attorney’s Office in this regard.

Gil-Robles said he was acquainted with Croatian Government’s efforts in improving the justice system, but suggested to settle pending issues as soon as possible. He told his host that more should be done on the education of judges, and that all citizens regardless of their means and the severity of punishment inflicted should be provided with legal assistance, that is, the right to an attorney. In Gil-Robles’s opinion Croatia’s aim should be more efficient justice system that would be reassuring to her citizens, and that would make the international community and foreign investors more confident in the functioning of the rule of law.

Commissioner Gil-Robles pointed to the life conditions of the Romany population that were not bad, but needed to be improved by allowing the Romanies employment without discrimination, and by providing their children with education, which would include preschool teaching of the Croatian language as necessary. The Commissioner will write a report on his stay in Croatia whose draft could be done by the end of July.