Documents on Croatia

Human Rights Watch Concerns and Recommendations on Croatia

Written statement

Oct 5, 2009

This memorandum, submitted by Human Rights Watch in advance of the United Nations Human Rights Committee’s (“the Committee”) review of Croatia’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“the Covenant”), addresses several areas of concern raised by the Committee in its List of Issues to be Taken up in Conjunction with the Consideration of the Second Periodic Report of Croatia (“List of Issues”).
Letter to EU Foreign Ministers regarding Croatia's Cooperation with ICTY

Letter

Feb 20, 2009

In the context of the ongoing debates about the progress of Croatia’s EU negotiations, Human Rights Watch is writing to urge you to adopt GAERC conclusions emphasizing the importance of Zagreb’s full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
EU: Press Croatia to Continue Cooperation with Yugoslav Tribunal

Press release

Feb 20, 2009

The European Union should send a signal to Croatian authorities that they should continue to cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, including by handing over key documents.
EU/Serbia: Don’t Compromise on Mladic

Press release

Nov 5, 2007

The European Commission’s decision to move ahead with an association agreement with Serbia despite Belgrade’s failure to arrest a key suspect could threaten efforts to bring war criminals to justice, Human Rights Watch said today.
Serbia Must Boost Support for War Crimes Chamber

Press release

Jun 27, 2007

Serbia’s War Crimes Chamber has made significant progress in domestic prosecutions since its establishment in 2003, but the Serbian government must increase its support for the chamber if it is to end impunity for war crimes in Serbia, Human Rights Watch said in a briefing paper released today.
Croatia: Plight of Returning Serb Refugees May Slow EU Bid

Press release

Sep 4, 2006

Serb refugees returning to Croatia face significant obstacles to the full enjoyment of their human rights, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Croatia is a candidate for European Union membership, and respect for minority rights is a requirement.
Kosovo: Criminal Justice System Fails Victims

Press release

May 29, 2006

The criminal justice system continues to fail victims in Kosovo, despite almost seven years of international administration, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. Kosovo’s future status is currently the subject of intense negotiations mediated by the international community.
Bosnian Serb Republic Takes First Steps to Justice

Press release

Mar 15, 2006

After 10 years of allowing suspected war criminals to go free, Bosnia’s Serb Republic is taking its first steps to bring them to justice, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. But sustaining that progress depends on local commitment and international support.
Milosevic Won't Escape History's Verdict

Commentary

Mar 12, 2006

Slobodan Milosevic conducted his legal defense much as he did his political life: with bombast, bullying and belligerence. Observing Milosevic for weeks and weeks in The Hague in the first half of his four-year trial, it became quickly clear to me that he was undertaking a political offensive in the courtroom rather than presenting a rebuttal of the 66 charges he faced.
Human Rights Watch Concerns on the Western Balkans

Letter

Mar 6, 2006

We are writing in advance of the informal Gymnich meeting of E.U. foreign ministers in Salzburg on March 10-11. We are pleased to note that relations with the Western Balkans will be high on the agenda of this meeting, with the stated objective to “reaffirm the E.U.’s goals and to agree on ways and means to reinforce the E.U.’s efforts in the region.” We wish to take the opportunity of this meeting to highlight a select number of pressing concerns which we believe the E.U. would be particularly well-placed to address as part of its engagement with these countries.