The Republic of Croatia continues on the 23 of August to commemorate the Europe-wide Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, nacism, fascism and communism.
The Europe-wide Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes has been commemorated since 2008, when the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the “proclamation of 23 August as a Europe-wide Remembrance Day for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, to be commemorated with dignity and impartiality”.
Consequently, the Croatian Parliament declared on 23 August 2011, a Memorial Day for the victims of totalitarian and authoritarian regimes in the Republic of Croatia, which was confirmed by the new Law on Holidays, Memorials and Non-working Days in the Republic of Croatia and entered into force on 1 January 2020.
Millions of people were killed, tortured and deported in Croatia and numerous European countries during the 20th century. A clear condemnation of any totalitarian regime as well as persecution of political dissidents is a precondition for preserving the memory of every innocent victim. It also serves as a reminder to new generations of the importance of respecting the dignity of every human being along with building inclusive and tolerant democratic societies based on the rule of law.
The Republic of Croatia is committed to a responsible confronting with the past, which is based on mutual respect and observance of universal values and the protection of human rights