October 24th is celebrated as the United Nations Day and marks the anniversary of the 1945 entry into force of the UN Charter – the founding document of this international organisation which gathers the largest number of countries in the world. In its 67 years of existence, the UN has become a founding stone for international cooperation.
Croatia became a full member of the United Nations on 22 May 1992 and this year marks the 20th anniversary of that event. In that period, Croatia has been recognised as a responsible member that travelled a difficult path on its way to international affirmation: from a country burdened by war, aggression and occupation of part of its territory where several UN peace missions were involved, over the liberation and integration of occupied regions, to an active UN member that now deploys its own troops around the globe and a country that has become a development aid donor.
Croatia has left its mark through active participation in various UN bodies, such as the Security Council (non-permanent member 2008 and 2009), the Economic and Social Council, the UN Peacebuilding Commission (two mandates, including the active session for 2012-2013) and through engagement in various expert UN bodies.
Croatia continues to strongly support UN activities, including issues of global peace and security, post-conflict peacebuilding and development aid, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedom and humanitarian law (through the affirmation of international judicial bodies), achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and facing the challenges of climate change.
We will continue to increase public awareness of this international organization and its efforts, which include the distribution of humanitarian aid to areas affected by natural disasters in the amount of USD 7 billion a year, assistance to some 34 million refugees around the world, participation of around 120,000 servicemen in peacekeeping missions on four continents, protection of civilians in the most vulnerable areas of the world, stabilization and democratic transition.