OSCE expert urges reform of Ombudsman institution in Croatia
(OSCE)As a result of OSCE-funded field visits of Ombudsman Ante Klaric, the number of complaints filed with the institution doubled in 2003. The OSCE Mission issued a report calling for the strengthening of human rights institutions, 02 June 2004. (OSCE) Photo details
ZAGREB, 23 June 2003 - A senior OSCE consultant who has analyzed the Ombudsman Institution in Croatia has produced a report in which he recommends advancing the role of the Ombudsman as a key human rights institution in Croatia.
The report, which was finalized during the consultant's second visit to Croatia from 4 to 6 June, is now available on the OSCE Mission to Croatia's website.
The OSCE Mission to Croatia and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) sponsored the expert analysis. OSCE senior consultant Prof. John Hucker, former Secretary General of the Canadian Human Rights Commission from 1988 to 2002, has outlined a number of steps which should be undertaken to strengthen and improve the efficacy of the institution.
"The Government of Croatia is encouraged to increase financial and logistical support to the institution, as well as to establish offices outside the capital, so as to allow improved direct access throughout the country," Prof. Hucker said.
The expert also recommends that changes be made to the current Ombudsman Law with a view to strengthening the Ombudsman's human rights mandate. Finally, Prof. Hucker highlights the importance of better co-operation with the Ombudsman by the public administration.
The report, which was finalized during the consultant's second visit to Croatia from 4 to 6 June, is now available on the OSCE Mission to Croatia's website.
The OSCE Mission to Croatia and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) sponsored the expert analysis. OSCE senior consultant Prof. John Hucker, former Secretary General of the Canadian Human Rights Commission from 1988 to 2002, has outlined a number of steps which should be undertaken to strengthen and improve the efficacy of the institution.
"The Government of Croatia is encouraged to increase financial and logistical support to the institution, as well as to establish offices outside the capital, so as to allow improved direct access throughout the country," Prof. Hucker said.
The expert also recommends that changes be made to the current Ombudsman Law with a view to strengthening the Ombudsman's human rights mandate. Finally, Prof. Hucker highlights the importance of better co-operation with the Ombudsman by the public administration.