YouSaid · the spoken record

Drobnjak

lines on the record: 486
first: 1993-04-19
most recent: 2019-07-23
sittings or episodes: 54
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Last year, following a children-sensitive approach and supporting girls' education in particular, Croatia funded the construction ofa library in Afghanistan used by 5,000 children, and a high school attended by 600 children. Last year we also provided medical treatment in Croatia to a number of Palestinian children suffering from respiratory diseases, thereby contributing to their psychosocial rehabilitation and well-being. As a country that experienced war horrors that gravely affected children, Croatia fully supports the campaign "Children, not soldiers", which has as its primary aim preventing the recruitment of children by 2016. The use of child soldiers and their conscription and enlistment into armed units is a war crime. There can be zero tolerance for impunity.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“We look forward to the elaboration of the international protocol on the documentation and investigation of sexual violence in conflict, which is of special relevance for children's rights and their protection. Croatia strictly opposes and is gravely concerned by the use of schools for military purposes, because it puts children in grave danger and negatively affects their right to education. That seriouslyjeopardizes their chances for the future. We recognize the right to access to education as a fundamental human right. Particular attention is being paid to its protection through Croatia's international assistance and development cooperation to countries in and emerging from conflicts.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“We note with appreciation that some progress has been made in the protection and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict, especially with regard to the release of children from armed forces and armed groups in several countries. However, we remain gravely concerned and saddened that children in many countries continue to suffer terribly from the physical and emotional wounds that armed conflicts bring upon them. Croatia fully supports all efforts aimed at the prevention and combating of sexual violence in conflict and at ensuring accountability for crimes committed. Croatia has become one of the global champions of the United Kingdom's initiative entitled Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict and has supported a historic declaration aimed towards worldwide efforts to eradicate that war crime.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“At the outset, I would like to highly commend the Luxembourg presidency for convening this important meeting. There can hardly be a topic that calls for greater attention than this one. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Secretary- General, the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Executive Director of UNICEF for their valuable briefings. Special gratitude goes to Mr. Alhaji Babah Sawaneh for his personal testimony. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union, and I would like to add the following remarks in my national capacity. The reports of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict are a stark reminder for us of the challenges ahead.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“It is crucial to put in place gender-responsive transitional justice measures as a key element in the process of restoring the rule of law and governance systems in any conflict-affected situation. Putting a country back on its feet is a remarkable opportunity to strengthen women's rights, leadership and empowerment. In that regard, the appropriate legal framework is a vital instrument. Finally, let me conclude by saying that without peace and the rule of law there can be no true development. The rule of law is the very essence and bedrock of any democratic and successful society. That must be kept in mind when contemplating each and every peacekeeping and peacebuilding strategy.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Accountability is an important aspect of the principle of the rule of law. We see the fight against impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide as an important element in conflict prevention. Such crimes must not go unpunished and their effective prosecution has to be ensured. It is of the utmost importance to put an end to the culture of impunity. We highly value the contributions of international courts and tribunals in advancing the rule of law at the international and national levels. The ad hoc tribunals have profoundly changed the landscape of international criminal justice and paved the way for the International Criminal Court, whose work we strongly advocate. We would also like to underline once again the important role that women can play in conflict prevention and resolution and in peacebuilding.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Against that backdrop, Croatia advocates for devoting particular attention to rebuilding national civilian capacities and institutions, while recognizing the specific needs of each country and fully respecting the principle of national ownership. We strongly support the Civilian Capacities Initiative. Broadening and deepening civilian capacity pools significantly enhances the ability of peacekeeping operations to achieve their goals. Promoting the principle of the rule of law is also a central part of the work of the Peacebuilding Commission. Croatia, as a current Vice-Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, stands ready to do its part in supporting countries emerging from conflict in their efforts towards sustainable peace and development. We are willing to share our empirical knowledge and expertise in that field.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“The metaphor of growing an oak tree seems appropriate: it takes time, patience, determination and a lot of care, but with every year the roots get deeper and the canopy wider, until the tree becomes strong enough to withstand any storm. Nonetheless, the early growing years are of decisive importance. We welcome the multidimensional approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding, which places equal emphasis on security sector reform, institution-building, the protection of human rights, the restoration of the social fabric of a country, the rejuvenation of the economy and the protection of natural resources. In all of those aspects, the rule of law plays a crucial and indispensable role.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“The functional and efficient rule of law is as much an issue of security and stability as one of economic and democratic development. The rule of law has tremendous transformative power and should be regarded as an essential instrument for positive change. Simply put, it is the best investment in a prosperous future. Re-establishing, strengthening and reforming judicial and legal systems and law enforcement institutions, which provide a legal framework that will stimulate the economy and safeguard democracy, is a long-term process that requires not only political determination, but also human and material resources, skills and knowledge.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Competent, credible, efficient, responsible and legitimate institutions are the guarantors of those principles and serve as providers of confidence, which allows individuals and communities to resolve their disputes peacefully. The lack of good governance and the rule of law, on the other hand, often lies at the root of conflicts. Therefore, as noted in the Secretary-General's report, strong, inclusive and accountable institutions that demonstrate the equitable application of the rule of law are crucial for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Croatia recognizes the paramount importance of the rule of law in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and post-conflict peacebuilding. It is equally important for achieving lasting peace and for sustainable development in all its aspects.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Croatia joins others in welcoming Lithuania's initiative to hold an open debate on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security. It is a well-chosen topic, whose importance is growing day by day. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report (S/2013/34l) and for his comprehensive briefing today. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. I would like to add the following remarks in my national capacity. The rule of law constitutes the very essence of the social contract between individuals and the Government, under which citizens are granted transparency, non-discrimination, fairness and equality in their standing before the law and in their social interactions.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“We are of the View that a close connection has to be achieved between all the relevant actors - military troops on the ground, fact-finding missions, commissions of inquiry and the staff of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Finally, we welcome the adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2014/3 with the updated aide-memoire on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Croatia is firmly committed to the promotion and protection of international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as their vital function concerning the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We strongly urge all parties in conflict to respect international obligations, bearing in mind that the State and local authorities carry the primary responsibility for the implementation of international humanitarian and human rights law and have to be held accountable for that. Croatia firmly supports the recommendations from the report of the Secretary-General, especially the one on establishing a common United Nations system systematically to record civilian casualties.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“I should also like to use this opportunity to stress that all Croatian civilian and military personnel participating in international missions and operations must go through rigorous training. The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior, in their training centres, regularly organize international predeployment courses for all staff, including diplomats, which are selected to be deployed in United Nations, European Union or NATO missions or operations abroad. The Ministry of Defence is also conducting a United Nations protection-of- civilians course based on the official Department of Peacekeeping Operations modules, while the Ministry of the Interior's training is based on the United Nations police officers course.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“With all the aforesaid in mind, Croatia joined the United Kingdom's initiative on preventing sexual violence in conflict and supported the elaboration of an international protocol on the investigation and documentation of rape and sexual violence in conflict. The link between the protection of civilians and peacekeeping operations is crucial. The safety and security of civilians is critical for the legitimacy of peacekeeping missions, which operate in complex and challenging conditions. The success of a peacemaking or peacekeeping mission will largely be judged upon its ability to protect the most vulnerable parts of the population. One cannot thoroughly address today's topic without mentioning the responsibility to protect - a Vital part of the efforts needed to prevent suffering and protect civilians from it.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Against that background, we fully welcome the further institutional dialogue between the ICC and the Security Council. While the increased use of sexual and gender-based Violence as a war tactic has already been addressed in the Security Council, most notably through its resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), it is undeniable that this kind of violence continues to occur at an alarming rate. It is therefore necessary for United Nations peacekeeping operations to effectively address the impact of armed conflict on women and children and to support women's participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding as much as possible. Women should also play an important role in peacekeeping missions in order to enhance confidence-building with the targeted communities.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Croatia, remembering too well the horrors of war, strongly condemns the continued widespread, systematic and gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Syria, including targeted killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual violence and the use and recruitment of children to participate in hostilities. We are appalled by reports of rape and other forms of sexual violence that are being used as weapons of war, targeting in particular women and girls. That is not isolated to a single conflict, nor can it be regarded as collateral damage of war. It is of the utmost importance that rape and other forms of sexual Violence in conflict be recognized as war crimes and crimes against humanity and fall under the competence of the International Criminal Court (ICC).”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Because of all of that, today's topic is not only timely: we must return to it over and over again when needed. As stated in the Secretary-General's report (S/2013/689), the current state of the protection of civilians leaves little room for optimism. The conflict in Syria represents a stark example - unfortunately not the only one - of how devastating is the impact of conflicts on civilians and how torn the fabric of civilian society can become. It is a collective tragedy composed of countless individual dramas and misery, so often lost and forgotten in the tide of destruction.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“This is also an opportunity to stress once again that the protection of civilians goes hand-in-hand with full respect for international humanitarian and human rights law; one must not be separated from the other. The hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the First World War is an occasion to reflect on the profoundly changed nature of war, in which civilians are increasingly becoming the primary target. In the First World War the ratio between military deaths and direct civilian deaths was 10 to 1. These days, civilian casualties in conflict often surpass those on the military side. Simply said, victims of modern armed conflict are much more likely to be civilians than solders. Civilians are regularly targeted and are subject to indiscriminate attacks and other violations by parties to the conflict.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“At the outset, allow me to extend my sincere congratulations to you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Council for this month and to highly commend the Lithuanian presidency for convening this important meeting. Croatia aligns itself with the statement that will be delivered shortly by the observer of the European Union. I should like to add the following in my national capacity. The fifteenth anniversary of the Security Council's engagement on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and the adoption of its landmark resolution 1265 (1999) provides us with the opportunity to take stock of the efforts made so far and to reflect upon ongoing and emerging concerns.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“They included, inter alia, a national strategy and/or a pertinent action plan serving as a framework 1540 document at the national level; the interaction of national agencies and stakeholders; regional cooperation and activities fostering collaboration between individual States; and awareness-raising among industry and academia. A detailed report will be presented to the 1540 Committee early next year. Finally, let me briefly add, in my national capacity, that Croatia stands ready to share that experience with our partners in South-East Europe. Thus in the lead-up to the tenth anniversary of the 1540 resolution, I can announce the follow-up to the peer-review initiative next year in Croatia. It will take the form of a regional workshop, which we intend to hold in our ancient city of Split in spring 2014.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“A pivotal question here is what makes the peer review such a ground-breaking idea in the entire 1540 framework.The highlight of the initiative was the local ownership of the process, which enabled Poland and Croatia to engage in a voluntary dialogue, identifying differences rather than setbacks and opportunities rather than shortcomings in a cooperative, non-patronizing, audit-free way. The United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs and 1540 experts maintained an advisory role throughout the entire process. As I already mentioned, the peer review process was rolled out in two phases - phase one in Croatia in June 2013 and phase two following in Poland four months later, in October. As a wrap-up of the final session in Warsaw, the two delegations presented several tools and measures hand-picked as the effective 1540 practices.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“The 1540 peer review was a tailored process of cooperation between Poland and Croatia by which the two countries engaged their national non-proliferation experts in coming together to compare national measures, regulations and legal frameworks related to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Although it is by no means a novelty in the overall international security architecture, Poland's and Croatia's peer review was fairly uncharted territory in the 1540 arena. Poland and Croatia moved beyond the traditional tools of 1540 implementation and introduced a brand-new concept in identifying effective implementation practices. The peer review initiative featured an exchange of visits of national peers and opposite numbers to their respective capitals and their hands-on interaction on a wide range of 1540-related matters.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“The European Union has already spoken on the matter, but I would like to make an additional statement on behalf of Poland and my country, Croatia, and to brief the Council on a joint endeavour our two countries undertook earlier this year to promote the objectives of resolution 1977 (2011) within the scope of resolution 1540 (2004). As the Council is aware, resolution 1977 (2011) extended the mandate of resolution 1540 (2004) for ten years and tasked the 1540 Committee to work to identify effective practices, templates and guidance for the implementation of that resolution. Poland and Croatia combined their efforts in that regard and gave birth to an initiative known as peer review, which was officially launched in Croatia in June 2013.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“We need a flexible, tailor-made approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina that is methodically somewhat different from the approach to other European countries. Recently, Bosnia and Herzegovina proved that it can compete with the best and secure its place in the top tier: it qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. One might say that football is only a sport but there is no reason why such a remarkable accomplishment could not be repeated in other fields, not just on the football pitch. It is up to all ofus to help Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure its proper place in the architecture of a new Europe and the world of the twenty-first century. Croatia, as a close neighbour and friend that shares a 1,000-kilometre land border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, stands ready to be at the forefront of those efforts.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“We therefore urge the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to come to a viable and sustainable agreement on that issue as soon as possible. Croatia wishes to continue the Euro-Atlantic partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina. We stand ready to cooperate closely with Bosnia and Herzegovina on all issues relating to Croatia's EU membership and to provide Bosnia and Herzegovina with firm political and robust technical support in the process of European integration. Let me conclude by saying that Bosnia and Herzegovina is an important State that needs our full attention. Unfortunately, its rich and often troubled history is at present a source of tensions and dispute rather than the springboard for a better future. But things can be changed for the better.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina's advancement towards NATO membership, we urge the political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to make additional efforts for the implementation of the six-party political agreement regarding the issue of military property and to work constructively to implement the agreement without delay in order to start the first cycle of Bosnia and Herzegovina's membership action plan as soon as possible. Regarding the negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina on the trade regime with the European Union after Croatia's EU accession, we regret that the additional protocol to the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet been concluded. We particularly regret the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina does not accept the negotiating principle on the basis of traditional trade.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Bearing in mind the importance of an effective coordination mechanism in achieving the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we hope that that issue will also be solved in the days to come so as to ensure that the available EU funds can be used. It is in our interest and is our responsibility to encourage further reforms and the implementation of the Sejdie-Finci ruling. Bosnia and Herzegovina must not be left behind the whole region in the EU integration process.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“However, according to the reports from the ground that we have received, it appears that the results of the recent census in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be carefully examined in order to make sure that every citizen of that country had the opportunity to express his or her national, religious and other identity. Croatia strongly supports, and will continue to support, the European and Euro-Atlantic integration process of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a fully functional State of its three constitutive peoples and other citizens. That is a crucial element for the stability not only of Bosnia and Herzegovina but also of South-East Europe. The more Europe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the better. We welcome the facilitation efforts of the European Commission to help political parties to come to an agreement regarding the constitutional changes.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“As a strong supporter of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia is concerned that some representatives of the Republika Srpska continue to challenge the territorial integrity of the State they are an integral part of. As noted in the report, there continues to be a "long-running negative trend of some representatives from the Republika Srpska predicting and advocating for the dissolution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the independence of the Republika Srpska" (S/2013/646, annex, para. 6). That must not be taken lightly. Croatia welcomes the fact that in October the census was conducted - the first in the post-war period.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“The fact that citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina who do not belong to one of three constituent peoples are discriminated by the election process, as well as the fact that Bosniaks and Croats in the Repubika Srpska and Serbs in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina suffer the same type of discrimination, is an unfortunate legacy of the Dayton Peace Accords. The equal constituent status of all three peoples is of key importance for the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as is implementing the verdict of the European Court for Human Rights as a way towards a Bosnia and Herzegovina that belongs to all its citizens.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Acting as if the goal of a stable, functioning State in which everybody felt comfortable and represented already existed would be a little like pretending in the manner of the well-known fairy tale of the emperor's new clothes. Instead of pretending, we need to select the best strategy for achieving that goal. We believe that recognizing the need for stability based on three pillar, instead of two-pillar instability, has the biggest chance of success. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also a State of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity or faith. As such, it must implement the verdict of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdie-Finci case.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“It is in the interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina and our region, as well as Europe as a whole - something we are reminded of particularly on the eve of the hundredth anniversary of the First World War - to achieve a stable and functioning Bosnia and Herzegovina. That will inevitably lead in future towards a civic State. But Bosnia and Herzegovina is not there yet; as a matter of fact, it is still far from it. Nevertheless, our goal is the same, and we plea for a strategy that has a chance of achieving that goal. We have to start by recognizing the facts on the ground and work gradually towards achieving a civic State.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“The specific political system rooted in Dayton Peace Accords is, in many aspects, based on ethnic representation, which rests on genuine equality between three constitutive peoples. At the same time, that equality is a prerequisite for the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It provides the three pillars on which the country rests under the present circumstances. Removing any one of the three pillars would destabilize relations and increase the danger of pulling the country apart and of conflict among the ethnic groups. At the moment, Serbs have the advantage of relative ethnic homogeneity in the Republika Srpska; Bosnians have the advantage of the biggest numbers; and Croats are in danger of losing representation at the level of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those are the facts of which we have to be mindful.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“At the outset, please allow me to extend my sincere congratulations to you, Sir, on the occasion of your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November. Let me also extend a welcome to High Representative Valentin Inzko and thank him for his briefing, his report (S/2013/646, annex) and his important work. Croatia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union (EU), but I would like to add several remarks in my national capacity. The territorial integrity, stability and functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a sovereign and united country, are of the highest importance to Croatia. They are also fundamental prerequisites for the stability and prosperity of the whole region of South-East Europe.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Furthermore, the fight against impunity and the establishment of the rule of law are of crucial significance in ensuring that the most severe crimes do not go unpunished. Croatia firmly believes that those who violate human rights in armed conflicts today should know that they will face justice tomorrow. Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to call attention to the fact that Croatia, in its capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, will organize, together with UN-Women, a special meeting, on the margins of the sixty-eighth session of the General Assembly, dedicated to the economic empowerment of women for peacebuilding. It will take place on 26 September.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“It is our view that continued attention to the specific needs of women and children, as well as to their vulnerabilities during and after armed conflict, must form part of any effective policy for the protection of civilians and of every significant peacemaking or peacekeeping effort, including relief operations. Failure in that field involves much more than a lack of political success: such failure is measured in human lives and misery. Individual States bear the responsibility to protect their populations from such appalling atrocities. At the same time, the international community has a responsibility to help protect populations and to take collective action through the Security Council - if and when national authorities manifestly fail to protect their population.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“But women can also play a specific and unique role in the prevention and resolution of armed conflicts, as well as in post-conflict reconstruction and peace consolidation. With that in mind, Croatia has been actively engaged in the Friends of Women, Peace and Security group of countries in promoting the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. In cooperation with civil society, a national action plan on the topic was created and adopted by the Croatian Government two years ago. Furthermore, Croatia adopted the Paris Commitments and Principles - documents that strengthen global efforts against impunity for crimes against children.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“The 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols occupy a special place in Croatia's international commitments, as they were the first international treaties to which Croatia became party. Today, Croatia is party to almost all international humanitarian law treaties and is widely recognized as a country with national legislation that is complementary to international humanitarian law. Furthermore, Croatia continues to implement modern international standards through domestic legislation and to familiarize the general public with international humanitarian law. It goes without saying that civilians are the most vulnerable and unprotected group in any armed conflict - women and children in particular.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“That often happens not only as a consequence of war operations, but as a result of the methods and means used in conducting war. In that respect, resolution 1894 (2009) - with its strong condemnation of attacks directed against civilians as flagrant violations of international humanitarian law - stands out as an indispensable instrument to be used as much as possible. In current times, which are still plagued by many armed conflicts, a strong need exists for an appropriate understanding of international humanitarian law. For its part, Croatia has invested serious efforts in strengthening the role of international humanitarian law and paving the way for the application of criminal justice against violators.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Having been an active participant at the Vienna and Oslo meetings, Croatia strongly supports all measures that can lead to improving the situation of civilians in armed conflict, and we would like to firmly support the Oslo Conference recommendations in that regard. Although international humanitarian law has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect civilians from the effects of military operations, that framework stands in stark contrast to the situation faced by civilians on the ground in conflict-affected areas. Nowadays, in the conduct ofarmed conflict, it is civilians who often become the main target of armed attacks and atrocities - murder, deportation and ethnic cleansing, as well as rape and sexual violence and violence against health care facilities.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Nevertheless, I would like to add a few points, keeping in mind Croatia's extensive and unfortunate experience in the field and our particular interest in all of us drawing valuable lessons from that troubled history and implement them for the sake of improved lifesaving assistance and greatly improved protection of those who are in dire need of it. At this point, I would also like to commend the Governments of Argentina, Austria, Indonesia and Uganda for the excellent work they have done in hosting a series of regional workshops. The results of those workshops were discussed at the outstanding Global Conference on Reclaiming the Protection of Civilians under International Humanitarian Law, hosted in Oslo by the Government of Norway.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“It is a great honour for me to address you here today, Madam President. First and foremost, I would like to thank the Argentine presidency for having convened this timely meeting, which, in our view, strikes at the core of the Security Council's primary mandate regarding threats to international peace and security. I would also like to thank the opening speakers for their important contributions to the debate. The Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) has already spoken on this matter, and, as an EU member, Croatia stands by that statement.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“In conclusion, let me state very clearly that, as a candidate country for membership in the European Union, Croatia is fully aware of the importance of cooperation with the ICTY and will continue to fulfil all related obligations to the best of its ability.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Justice will be fully served only if those who have suffered most find comfort and consolation in the recognition that everything they have experienced has not been in vain. It has been appropriately stated many times that the Tribunal performs the role of justice and of memory. Future generations, as they read the Tribunal's records on the events that have taken place on the territory of the Republic of Croatia, must be able to distinguish clearly between the aggressor and the victim; they must be able to comprehend what happened in the critical days of the homeland war, which remains one of the finest hours in my country's history.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“For Croatia, the accurate historical and political record established through the Tribunal's jurisprudence is no less important than the legal record or the punishment of perpetrators. A person's guilt or innocence can be established only before the Court. Bearing that in mind, Croatia has transferred to The Hague all indicted persons within its reach. Those who are guilty must be punished, regardless of their ethnic background. Nevertheless, Croatia must question some of the qualifications in several indictments, which are not fully in line with the letter of our recent history or entirely in accordance with the General Assembly resolution on Croatia's occupied territories.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“With regard to the provisional release of accused who are awaiting the commencement of their trials, Croatia advocates the implementation of that measure whenever feasible. Croatia acknowledges with appreciation that the Tribunal has already been forthcoming on this issue in several cases. As affirmed in General Ademi's case, the Croatian Government will ensure that other provisionally released citizens of Croatia will reappear for trial at The Hague and that they will not pose a threat to victims or witnesses. In any case, Croatia will meet its obligations in relation to the provisional release of accused. The Tribunal cannot fulfil its historical role only by sentencing those who have been found guilty.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Croatia believes that the Tribunal's jurisdiction should be amended by establishing an appropriate procedure that would enable it to award compensation to wrongly convicted, prosecuted or detained persons. As for enforcing sentences, I would like to recall that the basic international instruments in this area favour the incarceration of prisoners reasonably near their usual places of residence. The existing instruction, dating from 1993, envisages the enforcement of ICTY sentences outside the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Nevertheless, we find it important to reiterate the request that the Secretary-General review his predecessor's instructions regarding those arrangements.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Those trials were and are still being closely observed by the ICTY, in accordance with Croatian legislation, which entitles the Tribunal's representatives to follow the proceedings and grants them access to court files. In addition, evidentiary material obtained by the ICTY can be used directly in domestic trials. Recent final verdicts in some of the most serious cases serve as confirmation of the professional standards achieved by the Croatian judiciary in this difficult and politically highly sensitive domain. I would like to recall Croatia's position - outlined last October during the Security Council debate on this item - on two important issues that appear to have been somehow overlooked: compensation to those acquitted by the Tribunal and the enforcement of sentences as close as possible to prisoners' places of residence.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The Croatian Government remains grateful to the Tribunal and its experts for their valuable assistance, which will enhance the ability of Croatia's judiciary to prosecute war-crime cases in a professional and non- biased manner. Croatia feels prepared to take over part of the Tribunal's load as soon as this autumn and will continue its dialogue with the ICTY on this subject and cooperate in the field of training and technical assistance. Let me add that Croatia was glad to hear this morning that the Prosecutor intends to request the so-called Medak pocket case be transferred to Croatia. We appreciate that very much. The Croatian judiciary has independently initiated a number of proceedings against the perpetrators of war crimes in Croatia.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source