On 22 May 1992, following the recommendation of the Security Council and the unanimous decision of the General Assembly, the Republic of Croatia took its place among the full members of the United Nations, marking the culmination of the process of international recognition and the restoration of Croatia’s sovereignty and independence.
The initial period of membership was characterized by dynamic and demanding diplomatic activities that complemented the successes of the Homeland War and the defence of Croatian freedom and democracy. By joining various UN organs and bodies and contributing to UN peacekeeping operations, Croatia quickly transformed from an aid recipient into an active participant in international relations and an exporter of peace and security. The highlight of this period was the non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council during 2008-2009. Croatia has since confirmed its commitment to maintaining international peace and security through multiple mandates in the Peacebuilding Commission.
From the beginning of the millennium to the present, Croatia has, through three terms in the Economic and Social Council, advocated for balanced and sustainable global growth and development, the prevention and mitigation of the effects of climate change, addressing the challenges of preserving global biodiversity, and strengthening capacities to face global health challenges. With numerous memberships in human rights treaty bodies, especially within the Human Rights Council, Croatia has been dedicated to advocating for the highest standards of human rights and freedoms. Many Croatian diplomats, judges, soldiers, police officers, and experts from various fields have contributed to the work of the United Nations over more than three decades of membership.
Given the current Russian aggression against Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and increasing instability in many parts of the world, the fundamental principles and values upon which the United Nations are based must remain the guiding thought for all member states. However, today, perhaps more than in almost eighty years of existence, the Organization faces a crisis of multilateralism. Croatia believes that the UN remains the only universal and irreplaceable platform where states can and should jointly agree on key global issues and challenges, which can only be resolved through joint efforts.
In this context, Croatia looks forward with optimism and hope to the Summit of the Future in September this year, from which a Pact for the Future is expected to emerge. This strategic document will focus on sustainable development and its financing; international peace and security; science, technology, and innovation; youth and the transformation of global governance.
Croatia continues to strongly support the Charter, the rich international legal and expert heritage of the United Nations, and all efforts aimed at sustaining and preparing the Organization for future challenges. This commitment is also evident in Croatia's current membership and vice-chairmanship in the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, during 2022-2024 and 2023-2024, respectively. Concurrently, at the expert level, Croatia also participates in the work of the Committee on Contributions and the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. For the upcoming period, Croatia has put forward candidacies for the Human Rights Committee (2025-2028) and for renewed memberships in the Peacebuilding Commission (2026-2027), the Security Council (2030-2031), and the Human Rights Council (2032-2034).
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