OSCE Mission to Croatia report: further efforts necessary to prevent slowing down of reform
Ambassador Peter Semneby. (Ratko Mavar) Photo details
ZAGREB, 22 November 2004 - A report issued today by the OSCE Mission to Croatia cautioned that further efforts are necessary by the government to maintain the momentum of reform.
Speaking at a news conference in Zagreb, Ambassador Peter Semneby, the Head of the OSCE Mission, said that although the Government's commitment was noted in some areas, such as refugee return and judicial reform, the pace of reform has slowed in areas such as media reform, minority representation, and electoral legislation.
"Following commitments the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) made with Serb minority MPs, we are satisfied with the progress on reconstruction, and we believe that the repossession of occupied properties could be completed in 2005," said Ambassador Semneby.
He called on the Croatian authorities to take measures to prevent widespread looting of properties when they are handed over.
"It is of paramount importance to provide all refugees who want to return with adequate housing. This objective will not be met unless further efforts are made to implement the housing programmes for the large category—up to 30,000 mainly Serb households—who lived in socially owned flats with occupancy/tenancy rights before the war. This requires funding, information to the potential beneficiaries, and a realistic deadline for applications," added Ambassador Semneby.
The report states that important steps have been taken toward more effective inter-state co-operation on war crimes issues, with targeted efforts to prepare the Croatian judiciary for the possible transfer of cases from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
"Concerns of ethnic bias in domestic war crime proceedings in lower courts remain, but the Supreme Court is continuing to play a significant corrective role," said Ambassador Semneby.
He expressed hope that measures will be taken to meet the obligations in the Constitutional Law on National Minorities on minority representation in administrative and judicial bodies, and that the Ombudsman institution will receive the support it needs to fulfil its human rights mandate.
The 28-page report outlines progress made by Croatia in areas covered by the OSCE Mission's mandate. This includes refugee return, rule of law, reintegration and restitution of property, freedom of the media, police reform and the state of civil society.
"I hope progress made this year will be consolidated and momentum will be re-gained in areas where it has fallen short of expectations," said Ambassador Semneby.
The report will be presented by Ambassador Semneby to the 55-nation OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on 25 November.
Speaking at a news conference in Zagreb, Ambassador Peter Semneby, the Head of the OSCE Mission, said that although the Government's commitment was noted in some areas, such as refugee return and judicial reform, the pace of reform has slowed in areas such as media reform, minority representation, and electoral legislation.
"Following commitments the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) made with Serb minority MPs, we are satisfied with the progress on reconstruction, and we believe that the repossession of occupied properties could be completed in 2005," said Ambassador Semneby.
He called on the Croatian authorities to take measures to prevent widespread looting of properties when they are handed over.
"It is of paramount importance to provide all refugees who want to return with adequate housing. This objective will not be met unless further efforts are made to implement the housing programmes for the large category—up to 30,000 mainly Serb households—who lived in socially owned flats with occupancy/tenancy rights before the war. This requires funding, information to the potential beneficiaries, and a realistic deadline for applications," added Ambassador Semneby.
The report states that important steps have been taken toward more effective inter-state co-operation on war crimes issues, with targeted efforts to prepare the Croatian judiciary for the possible transfer of cases from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
"Concerns of ethnic bias in domestic war crime proceedings in lower courts remain, but the Supreme Court is continuing to play a significant corrective role," said Ambassador Semneby.
He expressed hope that measures will be taken to meet the obligations in the Constitutional Law on National Minorities on minority representation in administrative and judicial bodies, and that the Ombudsman institution will receive the support it needs to fulfil its human rights mandate.
The 28-page report outlines progress made by Croatia in areas covered by the OSCE Mission's mandate. This includes refugee return, rule of law, reintegration and restitution of property, freedom of the media, police reform and the state of civil society.
"I hope progress made this year will be consolidated and momentum will be re-gained in areas where it has fallen short of expectations," said Ambassador Semneby.
The report will be presented by Ambassador Semneby to the 55-nation OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on 25 November.