Marking the December 10 as an International Day of Human Rights the CHC warned public about the increase of human rights violations in Croatia. For the first time since 1996 the human right situation in Croatia deteriorated seriously, said Zarko Puhovski, Chairman of the CHC. (12-DEC-05)
This assesment was made public during the traditional CHC Annual award ceremony on Saturday, 10 December on the basis of free legal aid and monitoring activites carried out by the CHC through the year.
Deteriorating human rights situation
The mentioned deterioration is displayed through the recent increase of extreme police violence when combating crime. -Instead of modernizing the police the authorities inspire them to use fire arms more frequently. – said Puhovski.Furthermore, the CHC expressed its concern regarding the investigation of altogether 34 nationally motivated attacks on the members of Serb minority. Namely, only one of these incidents has been resolved. In addition, the media coverage of the national minorities deteriorated for the first time since 1996.
Giving the overview of the judiciary in 2005, Puhovski also expressed his concern regarding the conduct of the war crime trials.
After 27 years still waiting for a court decision
During the ceremony the CHC awarded individuals for their achivements in promoting and protecting human rights in Croatia in 2005. The award „Miko Tripalo“ was given to Renata Sever, a social worker for her voluntary work with Roma children. Journalist Boris Dezulovic received the award „Josko Kulusic“, while the award for promoting interreligious dialogue went to the pastor of Adventist Church, Velimir Subert. Charter „Aleksanda Zec“ was given to Emil Roemer as a sign of civil society solidarity with the victims of human rights violations. Namely, Emil Roemer is still waiting for a valid court decision after 27 years of trial.
