On 22 May 1992, the Republic of Croatia achieved one of its most important foreign policy objectives by joining the United Nations. On that day, the United Nations General Assembly, upon the recommendation of the Security Council, adopted Resolution A/RES/46/238, thereby admitting Croatia as a full member of the international community of independent and sovereign states.
This step came at the height of the Homeland War and carried clear political and legal significance: the international affirmation of Croatia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Over the past 34 years, Croatia has progressively strengthened and expanded its engagement within the UN system - from participating in the work of its principal bodies to assuming concrete responsibilities. Among other roles, Croatia has served multiple terms as both member and chair of some of the Organization’s most important bodies, including the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Peacebuilding Commission, and the Human Rights Council. In addition, numerous Croatian experts have actively contributed over the past three decades to the work of the UN system across a wide range of areas, from human rights to development, health, and budgetary matters.
Drawing on the experience of the peaceful reintegration of the Croatian Danube region through the UNTAES mission - regarded as one of the most successful peace operations in UN history - Croatia has made a distinct contribution to international peace and security through the participation of Croatian military personnel, police officers, and civilian experts in peacekeeping missions and programmes.
Despite the current crisis of multilateralism, Croatia continues to actively promote its priorities within the UN system. In practice, Croatia’s contribution is particularly visible through several enduring priorities: the protection of and search for missing persons; peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction; the protection of civilians in conflict, including support for UN resolutions and field mechanisms; as well as humanitarian and development assistance, particularly through projects implemented in partnership with UN agencies.
As an active member, Croatia today participates in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and currently ranks 8th in the world according to the Sustainable Development Goals Index. Croatia also contributes to discussions on human rights, security, the enhanced role of women in security and defence structures, climate change, digital transformation, and strengthening the resilience of the international system.
Alongside its current membership in the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, Croatia has already put forward candidacies for future mandates in these bodies, as well as for the Security Council and the Human Rights Council.
On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of its membership in the United Nations, the Republic of Croatia reaffirms its commitment to the UN Charter, international law, and effective multilateralism, recognising that contemporary global challenges can only be addressed through the joint action of states.
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