The Law on Suppression of Discrimination does not determine the principles which would refer to rights on same-sex communities, but gives more clarified basis for prevention of discrimination of any person.
In that sense, Centre for Human Rights consider that it is important to invest all the efforts on application fo this Law. In the period before and after adoption of this Law, the clear standpoint of Croatian Bishop conference, but also other religious associations regarding this law. Contrary to the standpoint of human rights organizations and other civil society organizations, religious communities and associations in general, critisized the Law on Suppression of Discrimination. Centre for Human Rights holds that religious communities and other organizations has full right to participate in the discussions of public matters. However, not one religious community should ask for special status, but nurture the conditions where all religious communities and associations, equally, openly and tolerantly participate in public discussions. Finally, Centre for Human Rights expresses its hope that year 2009. will be marked by constructive dialogue of all relevant participants on actual questions in the area of human rights – in that way we will be more ready to face with challenges that stand before us.
*As public institution established by United Nations Paris Declaration Principles with aim to independently promote human rights in Republic of Croatia, Centre for Human Rights is obliged to publicly react in occasion of actuel discussions regarding Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially regarding issues relating to Right to Life and discrimination suppression.
It is important to stress the Article 3. from Universal Declaration of Human Rights saying. „Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.“. The authors of the Declaration in this article set the right to life in the concept of security of person and do not define when does the life actually starts and when does it end. While the Article 3. does not determine the standpoint regarding ethical questions such as whether right to life includes unborn children, set of international documents promote the need of protection of reproductive rights of women. Also, Article 3. does not define the standpoint regarding the question of euthanasia which is the cause of numerous interdisciplinary discussion in various bodies of UN and Council of Europe.
In the Article 2. of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it s stated „Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.“ The Article 2. of the Universal Declaration includes the principle of non-discrimination which becomes the basic part of the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, numerous directives of European Commission and various other documents of United Nations.
Documents:
- Original Statement of Centre for Human Rights
In Croatian.
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