| For a summary of Croatia’s review at the first cycle please click here. |
22nd UPR session
Date of review: 12 May 2015
Date of report adoption: 20 July 2015
Document number: A/HRC/30/14
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SUMMARY SOGIESC issues during Croatia’s 2nd UPR review |
I. SOGIESC issues/recommendations identified by NGOs
No references.
II. Excerpts on SOGIESC issues from the national report
Discrimination
24. […] Implementation continues of the Gender Equality Act (2008), which prescribes a general ban on discrimination with regard to gender, marital or family status or sexual orientation (area of employment, work and education). Anti-discrimination provisions have also been integrated into numerous laws7 and progress has been made in protection from discrimination and prevention.
Minorities
84. The Criminal Code (2013) has improved the legislative framework for hate crimes – each criminal act may be conducted out of hatred, and for some acts, their conduct out of hatred is explicitly prescribed as a qualifying circumstance, while for other criminal acts, it is prescribed that such a circumstance is considered as aggravating. The Act contains specific criminal acts, such as: violations of equality (new discriminatory bases have been introduced – marital status, age, health condition, disability, genetic heritage, expression of gender identity, sexual orientation), violations of the right to express one’s national affiliation, and public incitement to violence and hatred.
III. Excerpts on SOGIESC issues by UN agencies
Right to life, liberty and security of the person
17. CAT was concerned at reports of ill treatment of persons belonging to ethnic minorities and of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons both by law enforcement officials and private individuals. It stressed that all alleged acts of torture or ill treatment should be subject to investigation.
IV. References to SOGIESC issues during the Working Group review
6. The Minister highlighted, among other the issues, free legal aid, the rights of persons with disabilities, social rights, the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, national minorities, anti-discrimination, ethnic discrimination (specifically against vulnerable groups), hate crime, war crimes, the issue of missing persons, displaced persons and human trafficking.
11. The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons were extremely important and significant progress had been made since the first gay pride parade was held in Zagreb 12 years previously, in a precarious atmosphere. Pride parades had become a celebration of freedom rather than a struggle. In Split, the Government reacted to the violence that had occurred during the first gay pride parade by having five government ministers and the mayor of Split march in the following year’s parade. Not only through legislation but also by leading by example, the State showed that it had a role to play in defending human rights. The law on registered partnerships allowed lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex partners to have all the same rights as married couples except the right to adopt children.
19. Germany […] was also concerned about discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.
20. The United States of America […] expressed concern about discrimination and violence against women and girls, against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and against ethnic minorities, particularly Serbs and Roma.
63. Montenegro commended Croatia for its endeavours in relation to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex population and welcomed the adoption of the Life Partnership Act establishing legal rights, including to marry, for same-sex couples. It asked about the results achieved and about future plans to promote and protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.
81. Slovenia welcomed the positive development in promoting gender equality and the rights of women, children and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.
V. Conclusions and/or recommendations
Croatia accepted the following recommendations:
99.77 Strengthen human rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, in line with Croatia’s international obligations and commitments as well as with domestic legislation (United States of America).
Croatia noted the following recommendations:
99.111 Strengthen the accountability and prosecution of law enforcement officers who commit abuses against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and ethnic minorities (Chile).
VI. Further information
You will find all documents relating to Croatia’s second review at UPR-Info and OHCHR’s websites.