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Justice & Security news and events

29 April 2013

Croatia to launch toll-free hotline for crime victims in July

Volunteer network will operate call center for victims and witnesses

A new toll-free hotline for crime victims will begin functioning in Croatia in July 2013 as part of a USD 177,000 project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Justice. The project aims to engage young people in protecting the rights of victims and witnesses of crimes. Specially trained volunteers will operate a call center that will be accessible through the toll-free number 116 006, which is unified for the entire territory of the European Union. Premises for the call center have been provided by the Ministry of Justice, and young volunteers, many of them law students, are currently being trained. more »
ZAGREB, 11 March 2013

New regional police training program uses UNDP expertise

Croatia hosts "Partnership for education" for Southeast Europe

A regional project to share the experience gained by Croatian police in European integration and fighting organized crime was launched at the Police Academy in Zagreb on 11 March. "Partnership for education" is a joint initiative of the Croatian Ministry of the Interior and the United States with the support of the United Kingdom and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The program, based in Zagreb, uses Croatian instructors supported by US and UK experts to train police officers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia to fight transnational crime. more »
ZAGREB, 28 November 2012

Victims' protection in criminal proceedings is one of the judicial reform priorities

Efficient judicial system provides support to victims and prevents their further victimization

Victim and witness protection in criminal proceedings is the topic of the regional conference which is taking place on November 28-29 in Zagreb, organized by Ministry of justice and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia. On this occasion the representatives of Ministries of justice from seven countries* of the Eastern Europe have signed a Joint Statement supporting the implementation of the new European Union directive for minimum standards of victims' rights, which was put into effect on November 14th, 2012. One of the prerequisites is to widen the access to pro bono services for victim and witness support in criminal proceedings. Croatian President Ivo Josipović opened the conference. more »
KARLOVAC, 31 October 2012

Karlovac eight-graders learn about domestic violence

As part of the continuing joint Ministry of Interior and UNDP prevention campaign "Living Life without Violence" interactive workshops for eighth-graders were held on Tuesday, 30 October, in Karlovac elementary schools "Dragojla Jarnević" and "Dubovac". The aim of these workshops is to raise awareness among youth about the issue of violence, encourage victims and family members to report violence and thus break the silence. more »
KOPRIVNICA, 24 October 2012

Living Life without Violence campaign in Koprivnica

Workshops for elementary school pupils tackle issues of non-violence and anti-discrimination

As a part of activities within the prevention campaign Living Life without Violence which is carried out by the Ministry of the Interior and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), interactive workshops for eighth-grade pupils were held on Wednesday, 24 October, in Koprivnica, in elementary schools "Antun Nemčić Gostovinski" and "Đuro Ester". The aim of the campaign is to raise public awareness, especially among the youth, about the problem of violence in the society. Pupils have learned about the changes in behavior which are founded on violence and non-tolerance, about the importance of communication in relationships and about the culture of tolerance, non-violence and non-discrimination. more »
Valbandon, 23 October 2012

Croatia hosts another international training for police officers for UN peace keeping missions

Ministry of Interior and UNDP mark 20th anniversary year of Croatia's membership in the UN

The 7th International Police Officers Course for UN peace keeping missions started today in Valbandon. The programme this year is organized for 24 participants: police officers from Croatia, but also Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden, together with representatives from the Ministry of Defense and Military police. Along with Croatian instructors, the course will be also conducted by 6 instructors from Austria, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden. This year's ceremony coincides with the year-long commemorations of the 20th anniversary of Croatia's recognition as an independent state by the UN. The opening ceremony was attended by UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton, Special Envoy of the Croatian President Brigadier General Mate Pađen and Croatian Minister of Interior Ranko Ostojić. more »
Varaždin, 19 October 2012

Croatia small-arms destruction met the target of 30.000 weapons

20 years of Croatia's membership in UN commemorated with 20th weapons destruction

With the final piece thrown in the fire at the 20th round of weapon's destruction today in the MIV factory in Varaždin, the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) closed the EU funded regional small arms project which envisioned destruction of the total number of 30,000 pieces of small arms and light weapons to be destroyed in Croatia. The destruction activities were a part of a larger project, the aim of which is to improve safety through collection and elimination of illegal and surplus small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Croatia, implemented jointly by South Eastern and Eastern European Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC), with support of UNDP Croatia, and the Croatian Ministry of Interior. The event was organised as part of a series of events around the UN Day to commemorate the 20th anniversary year of Croatia's membership in the UN. more »
Vukovar, 12 October 2012

Croatian experts discuss efficient responses to natural disasters

On International Day for Disaster Reduction, UNDP supports forming of Croatian County DRR Platform

The world as we know it is changing. Experts' figures indicate that the number of disasters in the past decade has doubled in comparison to the last decade of the 20th century, this increase being almost entirely caused by the weather-related disasters. Croatia is not an exception to these climate changes and, although not being a typical natural disaster hotspot, it is regularly exposed to hazardous events such as droughts, forest fires, floods and severe snowfalls. To meet these challenges and discuss the forming of the Croatian County/Cities Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Platform, some 30 participants from Croatian counties and cities, County Rescue and Protection Directorate and UNDP gathered at the 9h National Coordination Conference of Rescue and Protection Employees in Croatian Counties and Big Cities, which is taking place in Vukovar, from 12 – 13 October 2012. more »
21 September 2012

Media representatives from Serbia make study visit to Croatia

Journalists focused on rule of law and corruption challenges in EU negotiations

A group of 10 representatives of the most prominent media houses in Serbia, including Radio Television Serbia (RTS), visited Zagreb on 20-21 September. The purpose of their visit was to improve the quality of their media reports on matters related to the rule of law and accession negotiations with the European Union (EU) on chapters 23 and 24, with a special emphasis on efforts to fight corruption. The group was interested in Croatia's experience in EU negotiations, particularly with respect to anticorruption efforts. more »
Zagreb, 10 September 2012

Croatia hosts international UN "Training of Trainers Course for Military Staff Officers

For the first time in Croatia, United Nations are organizing an international course "Training of Trainers for Military Staff Officers", between 10 and 21 September in the Croatian Army Peace Support Operations centre (CAPSOC) in Rakitje. The course has 25 participants from dozen countries like Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Pakistan, Romania, USA, and others, who will receive training for instructors of military staff in UN peacekeeping missions. The best among them will be elected as trainers in future courses held around the globe. The course aims to help regional trainers to disseminate the UN peacekeeping Core Pre-Deployment Training Material, to familiarize them with the new Specialized Training Materials from Department for Peacekeeping operations, and to offer them opportunities to improve skills in lesson planning and delivery. With this course, Croatia will get four more UN certified instructors. more »
ZAGREB, 30 August 2012

Building resilience to disasters in the Western Balkans and Turkey

The United Nations, European Commission and national authorities have launched a new project in the Western Balkans and Turkey that will reduce disaster risks and increase resilience to climate change. The project was launched on 30 August in Zagreb, Croatia, and was aimed at high-level participants from disaster management authorities and national meteorological and hydrological services. The Western Balkans and Turkey are prone to multiple hazards such as heat and cold waves, precipitation that causes floods as well as landslides, droughts and forest fires and earthquakes. Climate variability and climate change, new land-use patterns and increasing human settlements in vulnerable areas may compound such problems. more »
Kursanec, 14 June 2012

"I Do Have a Choice"

Opening ceremony of Ministry of the Interior's prevention project held in Elementary School Kuršanec

The Ministry of the Interior prevention project "I Do Have a Choice" was opened in the Elementary School Kuršanec. The project consists of several smaller projects "Policeman – a friend and a helper", "I Don't Shop in the Store Where People Are Sold", "Say No to Drugs", "Similar, yet Different", "Be a Man – Change the Rules", among others, as well as the campaign Living Life Without Violence which includes interactive workshops and the play "Violence – There Is No Excuse For Violence", implemented in cooperation with UNDP. more »
Split, 6 June 2012

Actor Sokolović spearheads Croatian nonviolence campaign

New UNDP Goodwill Ambassdor hosts play for young people in Split

With a staging of the play, "Violence – there's no excuse for violence," at the Croatian National Theater in Split on 6 June 2012, actor and playwright Zijah Sokolović kicked off a new Croatian campaign designed to discourage violence among teenagers. The campaign, "Living Life without Violence," is organized jointly by the Croatian Ministry of Interior (MUP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Sokolović is UNDP's newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Tolerance and Nonviolence. more »
19 May 2012

Small arms destruction activities in Croatia reach 28,434

Another 2,720 pieces destroyed under EU-funded arms control program

The Croatian Ministry of Interior destroyed additional 60 crates containing 1,720 pieces of small arms and light weapons on 20 April, and another 1,000 on 18 May. The last two activities bring the total number of destroyed weapons up to 28,434 since the end of 2010. The crates contained pistols, revolvers, automatic rifles, hunting rifles and hand grenades among others. more »
Rijeka, 17 May 2012

"Living Life without Violence" campaing presented to grade students in Rijeka

Students were warned on importance of building positive relationships among themselves

Ministry of Interior (MUP) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized an interactive workshop and play in the Elementary School 'Pećine' in Rijeka, as part of the 'Living Life Without Violence' campaing. Program is designed for to discourage all forms of violence among young people. more »
7 May 2012

Zijah Sokolović appointed UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for Nonviolence

Vukovar Day event aims to promote tolerance and nonviolence among young people

As part of the festivities organized to mark Vukovar Day, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia appointed the renowned actor, director and playwright Zijah Sokolović as its Goodwill Ambassador for Tolerance and Nonviolence. Sokolović's play, "There's no excuse for violence," was performed as part of a program for young people designed to discourage all forms of violence. The program, organized jointly by UNDP, the Ministry of Interior (MUP) and the City of Vukovar, included workshops in schools with the Status M non-governmental organization and concluded with a concert featuring Matija Dedić, the Apokalipso band, and illusionist Luka Vidović. The Vukovar event kicks off a series of ten similar events to be held across Croatia between May and September 2012. more »
Solin, 12 April 2012

City officials, police see crime prevention as key to urban security

Community participation urged at international conference in Solin

Investing in crime prevention is far less expensive than dealing with the consequences of crime, experts agreed at "Adriatic City Security," the fourth annual conference on city security hosted by Croatia. Held in the coastal city of Solin on 12-13 April 2012, the conference was organized by Zaštita magazine and the City of Solin, under the auspices of the Croatian Government and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, with support from the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the City of Split, Split-Dalmatia County, the National Protection and Rescue Directorate and the Croatian Association of Security Managers. The conference was attended by more than a hundred participants from nine European countries. more »
31 March 2012

Croatia's small arms destruction approaches target of 30,000

Another 3,876 weapons destroyed in March 2012

The Croatian Ministry of Interior destroyed additional 1,560 pieces of small arms and light weapons on 9 March and another set of 2,316 pieces on 30 March 2012, bringing to 25,714 the total number of weapons destroyed in the past fourteen months in Croatia under a regional program funded by the European Union (EU). more »
ZAGREB, 14 March 2012

Croatia plans toll-free information hotline for crime victims

New project will engage volunteers to inform witnesses of their rights

A new initiative to engage young people in protecting the rights of victims and witnesses of crimes in Croatia was launched today at the Croatian Ministry of Justice. Deputy Justice Minister Sandra Artuković Kunšt, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Louisa Vinton, and Executive Director of the Victims and Witness Support Service Association Vesna Zelić Ferenčić signed agreements that will lead to the creation of a free national hotline to be staffed by trained volunteers who will provide information for witnesses summoned to testify in criminal cases. UNDP is providing funding of $148,000. In addition, the partners agreed to work together to raise another $300,000 to expand the network of witness support offices in county courts. more »
Zagreb, 13 March 2012

UNDP to help Croatia improve disaster preparedness

USD 100,000 agreement signed with National Protection and Rescue Directorate

Severe snowfalls followed by an extreme drop in temperature and heavy winds endangered lives and disrupted transport and commerce in Croatia in February 2012. Conditions were particularly severe on the Dalmatian coast and hinterland, requiring the engagement of all available domestic rescue and protection capacities to save lives and maintain food supplies and health services. To help Croatia cope better with extreme weather conditions, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has allocated USD 100,000 in emergency funding to support the National Protection and Rescue Directorate (DUZS). A cooperation agreement aimed at helping DUZS assess risks and improve coordination in disaster response was signed on 13 March by UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton and DUZS Director Jadran Perinić. more »
24 February 2012

Croatia's small arms destruction hits 21,838

Another 3,465 weapons destroyed in first two months of 2012

The Croatian Ministry of Interior destroyed an additional 1,700 pieces of small arms and light weapons on 27 January 2012 and another 1,765 pieces on 24 February, bringing to 21,838 the total number of weapons destroyed in the past year in Croatia under a regional program funded by the European Union (EU). more »
Zagreb, 25 January 2012

Croatian Ombudsman consults civil society in anti-discrimination efforts

UNDP supports effort to pool resources of diverse organizations and institutions

More than 50 representatives of civil society gathered in the Parliament on 25 January to discuss cooperation with the Croatian Peoples' Ombudsman (CPO) in fighting discrimination in Croatia. The Anti-discrimination Act, which entered into force in 2009, designates the Croatian People's Ombudsman as the institution responsible for eliminating discrimination. Three years of experience have shown a need for more efficient implementation of Article 15 of the Act, which stipulates that the Ombudsman consult with a wide range of social partners, including human rights organizations, organizations dealing with the protection of vulnerable groups, churches and religious organizations, and the National Minorities Council, when drafting reports and other documents on the occurrence of discrimination. more »
20 January 2012

Croatia's small arms destruction gains pace

Another 2,044 weapons destroyed, bringing total to 18,373

Croatia's Ministry of Interior destroyed another batch of 2,044 pieces of small arms and light weapons on 20 January 2012, bringing to 18,373 the total number of weapons destroyed in the country over the past 11 months under a European Union (EU)-funded regional program. The program aims to improve public safety by collecting and eliminating illegal and surplus weapons. It is implemented by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). more »
28 December 2011

Croatia destroys another 2,784 weapons

Ten-month total under arms-control project reaches 16,329

Croatia's Ministry of Interior destroyed another batch of 2,784 small arms and light weapons on 28 December 2011, bringing to 16,329 the total number of weapons destroyed in the country over the past 10 months under a European Union (EU)-funded regional program. The program aims to improve public safety by collecting and eliminating illegal and surplus weapons. It is implemented by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). more »
Split, 10 December 2011

Split citizens say farewell to arms one more time

UNDP and Croatian police conclude EU-funded "Less arms, less tragedies" campaign

With a public event on the Split waterfront featuring demonstrations by a bomb-squad robot and police sniffer dogs, the Croatian Ministry of Interior (MUP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) wrapped up the latest phase in a four-year campaign to collect illegal small arms and explosive devices from the general public. Since September 2007, the "Less arms, less tragedies" campaign has collected a total of 2,223 automatic weapons, 3,886 guns and small arms, 56,748 explosive devices, 2,155,325 rounds of ammunition and 2,161 kg of explosives. The latest phase of the campaign was funded by the European Union (EU) under a regional arms control project covering the Western Balkans. After launching in Split, the campaign, organized by MUP with UNDP support, visited virtually every Croatian town to remind the public of the dangers of keeping illegal weapons in attics and basements and encouraging their voluntary surrender. more »
5 December 2011

Croatia destroys another 2,190 weapons

UNDP supports Ministry of Interior in EU-funded arms control program

The Croatian Ministry of Interior destroyed another 2,190 pieces of small arms and light weapons (840 on 5 December and 1,350 on 8 December). These destructions bring the number of weapons destroyed during 2011 to at total of 13,545. The destruction activities are a part of a larger project, the aim of which is to improve safety through the collection and elimination of illegal and surplus small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Croatia. The project is implemented jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia and the Croatian Ministry of Interior, with support from the Belgrade-based South Eastern and Eastern European Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) http://www.seesac.org/. The project envisions the elimination of up to 30,000 small arms and light weapons in Croatia. more »
25 November 2011

UN marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by organizing discussion sessions in Croatian schools aimed at challenging traditional notions of what it means to "be a man." Seventh and eighth graders in schools in Osijek, Rijeka, Split and Zagreb and cadets at the Police Academy in Zagreb participated in the discussions, which were conducted by the Status M youth organization in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry for Family, Veterans' Affairs and Intergenerational Solidarity. more »
23 November 2011

Another batch of SALW destroyed in Croatia

On 23 November 2011, another 240 pieces of small arms and light weapons were destroyed in Croatia. The destruction is a part of a larger project, the aim of which is improvement of safety through collection and elimination of illegal and surplus SALW in Croatia. The project is implemented jointly by UNDP Croatia and the Croatian Ministry of Interior in close cooperation with SEESAC and with the financial support of the European Union. more »
Zagreb, 22 November 2011

EU invests $221,000 in secure storage of surplus weapons in Croatia

UNDP-implemented project installs weatherproof security system at Murat stockpile

The completion of a $221,000 security upgrade at Croatia's central storage facility for surplus weapons and explosives was marked today at the Police Directorate in Zagreb. The works at the Murat stockpile facility included the installation of a sophisticated weatherproof video surveillance system and the reconstruction of security infrastructure. The project was funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in cooperation with the Croatian Ministry of Interior. The ceremony was hosted Croatian Deputy Police Director Dražen Vitez and attended by UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton and Paolo Berizzi, the second in command of the European Delegation in Croatia. more »
Danilovgrad, 31 October 2011

Croatia trains Montenegrin police for UN peacekeeping missions

United Nations teams from two countries support cross-border initiative

Representatives of the Croatian Ministry of Interior (MUP) today opened a two-week training course in Danilovgrad that will enable 17 Montenegrin police officers to qualify for United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. Croatia's MUP has operated police peacekeeping courses at Valbandon, near Pula, for six years, and in 2007 these won certification from the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). So far, these courses have graduated 116 police peacekeepers, not only from all the countries of Southeast Europe, but also from Israel, Iraq, Malawi, Norway, Uganda and Yemen. Now, at Montenegro's request, Croatian police trainers are working to share this experience with their Montenegrin counterparts. The opening of the training was attended by Montenegrin Minister of Interior Ivan Brajovic and senior UN officials from Croatia and Montenegro. more »
Sisak, 28 October 2011

Another 1,680 small arms destroyed in Croatia

On 28 October 2011, a further 1,680 pieces of small arms and light weapons (SALW) were destroyed at the CMC Sisak Steel Mill, Croatia. The destruction took place under the EU funded arms control programme, which supports, among other activities, the improvement of safety through collection and destruction of illegal and surplus SALW. In Croatia, activities are implemented jointly by UNDP Croatia and the Croatian Ministry of Interior in close cooperation with The South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC). more »
SISAK, 16 September 2011

Another 1,509 SALW destroyed in Croatia

On 16 September 2011, a further 1,509 pieces of small arms and light weapons were destroyed at the CMC Sisak Steel Mill, Croatia. The destruction took place under SEESAC's EU funded arms control programme, which supports, among other activities, the improvement of safety through collection and elimination of illegal and surplus SALW in Croatia. In Croatia, activities are implemented jointly by UNDP Croatia and the Croatian Ministry of Interior in close cooperation with SEESAC and with the financial support of the European Union. more »
Zagreb, 13 September 2011

European experts share success stories in reducing armed violence

Good practices to support global campaign under the Geneva Declaration

Nearly 100 law enforcement specialists and civil society activists from across Southeast Europe joined forces at a two-day seminar in Zagreb on 13-14 September 2011 to share their experiences in preventing and reducing armed violence. The Regional Seminar on Best Practices in Reducing Armed Violence in Europe was organized jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, with financial support from Switzerland. The goal of the seminar was to collect good practices from across Europe to help shape global policies and programmes. more »
Zagreb, 5 September 2011

Good assessment reduces risks of natural disasters

UNDP training aims to assist Croatia in planning national disaster risk assessments

A two-day national workshop on Scoping and Planning National Disaster Risk Assessment in Croatia, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), took place in Zagreb on 5-6 September. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together a range of Croatian institutions to discuss how best to assess the risk of man-made and natural disasters in the country, using a methodology prepared by UNDP's Global Risk Identification Programme. Disaster risk assessment tries to get away from the notion that countries can only deal with disasters after they happen and provides tools for an approach that minimizes the damage that disasters cause through preventive planning and preparation. more »
SISAK, 22 July 2011

1,224 SALW destroyed in Croatia

On 22 July 2011, another 1,224 pieces of small arms and light weapons were destroyed at the CMC Sisak Steel Mill, Croatia. The destruction is a part of a larger project, the aim of which is improvement of safety through collection and elimination of illegal and surplus SALW in Croatia. The project is implemented jointly by UNDP Croatia and the Croatian Ministry of Interior in close cooperation with SEESAC and with the financial support of the European Union. more »
Zagreb, 11 June 2011

"Less Arms, Less Tragedies" played for children of Lipik

Second annual charity football tournament raises money for orphanage playground

Staff from the Croatian Ministry of Interior (MUP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined forces under the banner of the "Less Arms, Less Tragedies" campaign against illegal weapons to compete in Second Annual Men's Mini World Cup Football Tournament held today in Zagreb. Other teams included participants from embassies located in Croatia and the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aim of the tournament, jointly organized by RTL Television's Help the Children Foundation and Hipmedia, is to draw diplomatic and expat communities together through the universal language of football and to help raise money for an orphanage in Lipik. First place was won by the team from Germany, second by the USA team and third by the UNDP-MUP team. more »
Sisak, 10 June 2011

Another 1,129 pieces of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) destroyed in Croatia

On 10 June 2011, another 1,129 pieces of small arms and light weapons were destroyed at the CMC Sisak Steel Mill, Croatia. The destruction is a part of a larger project, the aim of which is improvement of safety through collection and elimination of illegal and surplus SALW in Croatia. The project is implemented jointly by UNDP Croatia and the Croatian Ministry of Interior in close cooperation with SEESAC and with the financial support of the European Union. more »
RIJEKA, 7 June 2011

Rijeka court opens new support office for witnesses and victims

More than 100 people receive information and advice in first five months of operation

The opening of a new office to support victims and witnesses in court cases within the Rijeka County Court was marked today in an official visit by the head of the Ministry of Justice's Probation and Witnesses and Victims Support Office, Saša Rajić, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to the Republic of Croatia Stella Ronner-Grubačić and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Louisa Vinton. Veljko Miškulin, President of the Rijeka County Court, and Mladena Tadej, head of the Rijeka Witnesses and Victims Support Office, hosted the delegation. The office was established by UNDP in January 2011, with funding from the Netherlands. more »
Krapina, Gospić, 26 May 2011

Innovative methods encourage surrender of illegal weapons

Less Arms, Less Tragedies campaign activities continue in Krapina and Gospić

Croatian police are using innovative methods to encourage citizens to turn in illegal weapons under the "Less Arms, Less Tragedies" awareness-raising campaign co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These methods are delivering good results.

Local police in Krapinsko-Zagorska County used a police van as an "office on wheels" to tour the county informing the citizens about the dangers of illegal weapons and urging them to surrender any weapons still in their possession. This mobility enabled the police to organize events in six locations around the county in the month of May, and the results were impressive. In just two weeks, citizens voluntarily surrendered 543 pieces of ammunition, 9 mines, 2 small arms and half a kilo of explosives. more »

Zadar, 14 May 2011

Zadar citizens support voluntary surrender of illegal weapons

Mountain Rescue Service also receives new equipment under UN program

Several hundred citizens gathered today in central Zadar to give support to the voluntary surrender of illegal arms and weapons that still threaten the safety of families in the Zadar area. The vital contribution of citizens to making communities safer was highlighted at the latest event organized in Zadar by Zadar County, the City of Zadar, the Zadar Police Administration and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of the "Less Arms – Less Tragedies" campaign. Since the beginning of the campaign in 2007, in the Zadar area alone, more than 225 small arms and light weapons, 2,085 explosive devices, 118,040 rounds of ammunition and 84 kg of explosives have been collected. more »
Zadar, 11 May 2011

Croatia shares experience in victim and witness support

UNDP-assisted project has already helped 6,000 victims

The essential contribution of volunteers was highlighted during an international roundtable organized by the Zadar County Court and the Vukovar-based Association of Volunteers for Victim and Witness Support to review Croatia's experience in establishing a model of support to crime victims testifying as witnesses in court cases. Since 2008, seven witness and victim support offices have been established with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in Osijek, Rijeka, Sisak, Split, Vukovar, Zadar, and Zagreb. So far, the seven offices have assisted some 6,000 victims. Since each office employs a professional staff of just two people, volunteers have a vital role to play. A new handbook for volunteers, published with Dutch support, was presented for the first time. Participants also saluted the practice, newly established at Zadar University, of awarding academic credit to law students who volunteer to work with witnesses and victims. more »
4 May 2011

Regional training workshop for NHRI's in Zadar

To strengthen capacity and to help better present the work of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), United Nations Developing Programme (UNDP) Bratislava Regional Centre in cooperation with UNDP Croatia, organized a 3-day training workshop on "Strategic Planning and Developing a Communication Plan for the NHRIs". more »
SPLIT, 20 April 2011

New support office for witnesses and victims opens in Split

Advisory support enhances judicial process by encouraging witnesses to testify

The opening of a new office to support victims and witnesses in court cases within the Split County Court was marked today in an official visit by Supreme Court President Branko Hrvatin, Ministry of Justice State Secretary Tatijana Vučetić, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to the Republic of Croatia Stella Ronner-Grubačić and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Louisa Vinton. Ante Perkušić, President of the Split County Court, and Tamara Čatlak Cindro, head of the Split victims and witnesses support office, hosted the delegation. The office was established by UNDP, with funding from the Netherlands. more »
SISAK, 23 March 2011

New victims and witnesses support offices open in Sisak, Rijeka and Split

Better support to witnesses improves Croatian judicial process

The opening of a new office to support victims and witnesses in court cases was marked today in an official visit by Supreme Court President Branko Hrvatin, Ministry of Justice State Secretary Tatijana Vučetić, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Louisa Vinton. The Sisak Victims and Witnesses Support Office has been operating within the Sisak County Court since the beginning of 2011. Ivan Veršić, President of the Sisak County Court, hosted the delegation. The office was established by UNDP with funding from the Netherlands. more »
SISAK, 24 February 2011

Police melt down 2,510 handguns and rifles at Sisak steel mill

President Josipović welcomes Croatia's first public destruction of small arms

President Ivo Josipović threw a symbolic first rifle into a cauldron at the CMC Sisak Steel Mill today, marking the first public destruction of small arms in Croatia under a European Union-funded programme aimed at fighting the proliferation of illegal weapons in Southeast Europe. The event, organized by the Ministry of Interior and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), destroyed 2,510 handguns and rifles collected as part of the 'Less Arms - Less Tragedies' campaign. more »
SISAK, 24 February 2011

Police melt down 2,510 handguns and rifles at Sisak steel mill

President Josipović welcomes Croatia's first public destruction of small arms

President Ivo Josipović threw a symbolic first rifle into a cauldron at the CMC Sisak Steel Mill today, marking the first public destruction of small arms in Croatia under a European Union-funded programme aimed at fighting the proliferation of illegal weapons in Southeast Europe. The event, organized by the Ministry of Interior and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), destroyed 2,510 handguns and rifles collected as part of the 'Less Arms - Less Tragedies' campaign. more »
ZGREB, 1 February 2011

Croatian bomb squad receives new safety equipment

Body armor, helmets part of EU-funded regional arms-control programme

Croatian police officers charged with defusing bombs, unexploded ordnance, and other explosives received new protective equipment worth €70,000 today, thanks to a European Union-funded programme designed to promote arms control in Southeast Europe. The equipment, including 21 bulletproof vests, 21 protective helmets, six ballistic containers and six anti-explosive kits, was presented to the Interior Ministry's Anti-Explosive Department by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which implements the arms control programme on behalf of the EU. more »
ZAGREB, 10 January 2011

Croatian ombudswoman for disabilities hosts regional roundtable

Eight representatives share experiences in promoting rights of persons with disabilities

Despite the adoption of legal frameworks designed to promote equal opportunities and protect human rights, people with disabilities still face a discouraging catalogue of practical impediments to full social inclusion. This was the conclusion of a regional workshop of ombudspersons organized in Zagreb on 10 January by the Croatian Ombudswoman for the rights of persons with disabilities, Anka Slonjšak, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). more »
ZAGREB, 21 December 2010

"Living Life without Violence" Campaign Concludes with Awards Ceremony at Police Academy

Gibonni, Oliver Dragojević Perform at Christmas Concert

The "Living Life without Violence" campaign organized by the Croatian Ministry of Interior with support from the United Nations in Croatia concluded today with a Christmas concert and the presentation of awards to the five best works of art submitted by elementary school students as part of a nationwide contest aimed at raising awareness of domestic violence. more »
25 November 2010

Sesvete high school participates in the 'Leading a life without violence' campaign

Sesvete high school hosts sports and entertainment event

To mark the end of the "Living Life Free of Violence" ("Zivim zivot bez nasilja") campaign, every police department in the twenty Croatian counties organized a special educational and entertainment program in a selected school or family center. This Wednesday afternoon sports and entertainment event in Zagreb took place in the Sesvete high school. more »
Osijek, 23 November 2010

UN supports safer communities and arms collection in Osijek

Two outdoor fitness parks were opened today in Osijek as part of a joint effort by the United Nations and the town of Osijek to provide recreational facilities to the youth and contribute to enhance local community safety. The park is just one of dozens of similar initiatives realized under a $3-million UN program aimed at reducing regional disparities and improving living standards in war-affected areas of Croatia. more »
5 November 2010

Network of women police officers to be established in Southeast Europe

New research suggests ways to expand women's participation in police structures across the region

New research on the status of women police officers was presented today at a roundtable discussion in Zagreb organized by the Croatian Ministry of Interior, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the SEESAC regional small arms control project. The research findings are derived from a survey of almost 4,000 police staff (more than one-third of them women police officers) from eight countries. The research was conducted to support a new regional network of women police officers from nine countries in Southeastern Europe. The network, which will be launched in November in Sarajevo, will advocate policies and practices to expand the role of women in the police. more »
26 October 2010

New recreation area is step forward in Vukovar reconstruction

Outdoor fitness park brightens section of Danube River promenade near city beach

The installation of a $30,000 outdoor fitness park has helped transform a section of the Danube River promenade near the city beach in central Vukovar from a poorly-lit, crime-prone problem area to a safe and welcoming recreation zone. Funded by the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund (MDG-F), the park was constructed through the joint efforts of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the City of Vukovar, and Makart, a private company. The park is just one of dozens of similar initiatives enacted under a $3-million UN program aimed at reducing regional disparities and improving living standards in war-affected areas of Croatia. more »
25 October 2010

UNDP to promote collaboration of ombudsmen and strengthen human rights mechanisms in the region

International conference of ombudsmen in Crikvenica

The United Nations Development Programme Regional Centre in Bratislava and the Office in Croatia, in cooperation with the Croatian Office of the Ombudsman, have organized two international meetings of representatives of national institutions for protection of human rights and ombudsmen in Crikvenica on 20 to 22 October 2010. more »
19 October 2010

UN encourages shift from reaction to prevention

Croatia leads the region in disaster risk reduction

In an effort to promote the effective collaboration needed to reduce the threat posed by disasters in Croatia, the National Protection and Rescue Directorate organized the second Conference of the Croatian Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Zagreb on 14-15 October 2010. The platform brings together a wide range of institutions and experts in disasters, in a UN-supported effort to shift the emphasis from reaction to prevention. more »
21 September 2010

52 new police officers in Croatia trained for the arms collection campaign

Seminar on development of crime prevention programmes in Zagreb

A seminar on „Development of Crime Prevention System and creation of successful crime prevention programmes", organized by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Police Directorate of Ministry of Interior took place at Regional Arms Control Verification and Implementation Assistance Centre (RACVIAC ) in Zagreb on 21 and 22 September 2010 more »
14 September 2010

New facilities for children and youth in Knin

Multifunctional sports ground in Primary School „Domovinske zahvalnosti" inaugurated

Over 1,200 students of elementary school "„Domovinske zahvalnosti" got a new multifunctional sports ground in Knin. Project worth of 837,000.00 HRK was jointly funded by City of Knin and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The opening was attended by Louisa Vinton, UN Coordinator and Resident representative of UNDP Croatia, Manuel Salazar, Kindgdom of Spain Ambassador to Croatia, Josipa Rimac, Mayor of Knin and Goran Pauk, Prefect of Šibenik-Knin County. more »
13 September 2010

Campaign "Less Weapons-Less Tragedies" in Ogulin

Collection of weapons gathered numerous visitors and representatives of local community

"Less Weapons-Less Tragedies" campaign that is continuously implemented since 2007 in a joint cooperation between Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs and UN Development Programme, as of this year with financial support from EU, took place in Ogulin on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 with information-points and a two hour cultural and entertainment programme. The goal of this action is to encourage citizens to voluntarily surrender illegal weapons, ammunition and mine-explosive devices and also to warn them about dangers of retained weapons. more »
10 September 2010

UN and UNDP Resident Representative delivered UNPOC 2010 Certificates

10th anniversary of Croatia's participation in UN Peace keeping operations

The United Nations Country Team in Croatia (UNDP, UNHCR, ICTY and UNICEF) participated this year in the organization and financial support of the Ministry of Interior's 5th International UN Police Officers Course for deployment to UN peacekeeping missions (UNPOC Croatia 2010). The Course was held in Valbandon, Pula from 27 September until 8 October. more »
Osijek, 28 July 2010

The first Community Policing System for mapping and tracking crime launched

A new digitalized data entry system to enhance police work and partnerships with local communities

The first Community Policing Information System (CPIS) has been presented today in the Police Administration (PA) of Osjecko-Baranjska County. The project represents the first functional information system model for geographical mapping and analyzing crime in Croatia, and has been realized with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia, within the framework of their activities aimed at boosting safety and security in communities. The system has been installed in the PA of the Osjecko-Baranjska County, and developed by GISDATA, a Zagreb-based company. more »
ZAGREB, 6 July 2010

Ministry of Justice, UNDP, Netherlands agree on expansion of witness and victims support in Croatian courts

Croatian Minister of Justice, Ivan Šimonović, new UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Croatia, Louisa Vinton, and Ambassador of the Netherlands, H. E. Nienke Trooster agreed today to expand support to witnesses and victims to three more Croatian courts. This expansion extends the coverage of witness and victim support to a total of seven county courts across the country. The UNDP and the Kingdom of the Netherlands signed an agreement to finance the continuation of the Witness and Victim Support System project for a further eighteen months for an overall value of 220.000,00 US Dollars. more »
ZAGREB, 8 June 2010

National Policy Dialogue of the Republic of Croatia on disaster risk reduction held in Zagreb

Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia, in cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the European Commission, the National Protection and Rescue Directorate, and the State Hydrological and Meteorological Service, the National Policy Dialogue of the Republic of Croatia dedicated to disaster risk reduction was held in Zagreb on June 7-8. This Dialogue was held within the project "Disaster Risk Reduction in South-East Europe". The first day of the dialogue was dedicated to the work of experts, and the participants included the representatives from DUZS, DHMZ, Republic Seismological Survey, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Agency for Nuclear Safety, Ministry of Interior, etc. In the course of the expert session, drafts of national reports entitled "Disaster Risk Reduction in the Republic of Croatia" and "Technical Status of the DHMZ Related to DRR " were also presented. more »
Osijek and Vukovar, 4 June 2010

Recreation and sport as crime prevention for safer communities

A 75.000 USD worth agreements signed between UNDP and Cities of Osijek and Vukovar

Within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund (MDG-F) programme, two more agreements have been signed today, as part of an ongoing commitment from the UNDP Croatia to help local communities become safer and more economically viable places to live. UNDP Resident Representative, a.i. Alessandro Fracassetti visited eastern part of Croatia where he signed agreements with Deputy Mayor of of Osijek, Ivan Vrdoljak and Mayor of Vukovar, Željko Sabo, estimated at a total of 75.000 USD (425.000,00 HRK). The agreements fall within the framework of a series of small infrastructural projects in Croatia within the framework of Safe Communities Plans – project that has been in implementation since the agreement signed with Ministry of Interior in 2007. Since then numerous projects all aiming at reducing crime and increasing safety and satisfaction within local communities have been implemented all across Croatia. more »
Zagreb, 23 December 2009

New cooperation between Ministry of Interior and UNDP

Project memorandum signed

The Chief Police Director, Oliver Grbić and UNDP Resident Representative, Yuri Afanasiev, signed a Project memorandum for the project "Development of the crime prevention system and support in the founding of the crime prevention coordination unit". Within the scope of this project the Police Directorate and UNDP will, in the upcoming 18 months, work on the establishment of a systemic model for police work in the area of crime prevention and community policing by establishing a crime prevention coordination unit. more »
Varazdin, 30 November 2009

Creative Industry Centre – BUKA – opened in Varazdin

A Creative Industry Centre – BUKA (Creative activity market) – was opened today in Varazdin at the site of a former army bakery. BUKA is a part of the "Security in the Community" project initiated in March 2007 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior, the Town of Varazdin, Varazdin Crime Prevention Council, and the Development Agency North. The Creative Industry centre BUKA was developed as a response to a public opinion survey on the security situation in Varazdin, indicating that the youth lacks a space for creative use of free time. more »
Drnis, 18 November 2009

"Less Weapons Less Tragedies" in Drnis

On Wednesday 18 November MUP and UNDP organised a joint event "Less Weapons, Less tragedies". Two info stands were set-up in the centre of Drnis, one in front of an elementary school, and one in front of the market. Police Officers from the Drnis Police station informed citizens and children about the voluntary surrender of weapons, ammunition and explosive devices as well as the dangers of weapons. Citizens could pick-up promotional materials, while the pupils from the local elementary school had the opportunity to paint on the topic, "safer future" more »
Lovran, 10 November 2009

Community Policing Seminar

A four day seminar was organised in Lovran by the UNDP and MUP was opened on the 9th November by the Cheif Police Oliver Grbic and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti. The seminar called "Community Policing- strategic planning and preparation of the successful prevention programmes" was attended by 60 police officers from 20 Police authorities. more »
ZAGREB, 27 October 2009

Croatia Adopts Best Practice of European Countries in Providing Support to Witnesses and Victims

The regional conference 'Support to Witnesses and Victims' was held in Zagreb on October 27, with the presentations of current achievements in the area of support to witnesses and victims in court proceedings and the situation in that field in Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results of the two-year project of Support to Witnesses and Victims, jointly implemented since 2007 by the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia, were also presented at the conference. In the past two years, the cooperation resulted in the establishment of Victim and Witness Support Offices at the county courts in Zagreb, Osijek, Vukovar and Zadar, as well as at the Municipal Criminal Court in Zagreb. more »
Zagreb, 31 July 2009

As many as 82% of citizens in favor of closer cooperation between the police and local community

Joint MOI-UNDP survey presented

The Croatian Ministry of Interior (MOI) in collaboration with the UNDP presented the results of the survey Perceptions of the security of citizens, fear of crime and the role of police. The survey was conducted by the agency GfK – Center for Market Research in the period May – June 2009. Its fundamental goal was to determine the feeling of security of citizens and their fear of crime as subjective indicators of personal and public safety, as well as to determine the perceptions of police efficiency and the return of citizens' trust towards the police. The survey covered a total of 4500 respondents above 18 years of age. The sample was representative for Croatia as a whole, taking into consideration the distribution of counties, settlement size, gender and age, and the survey included a combination of two data collection methods: telephone interviews and personal interviews conducted at households. more »
Okucani, 24 July 2009

Continuation of the Arms Collection Campaign "Less weapons, Less Tragedies"

On Friday 24 July, awareness raising event organised by UNDP and the Ministry of the Interior was held in Okucani. The event was organised within the scope of the "Destruction for Development" Programme, which is a part of the arms collection campaign "Less Weapons, Less Tragedies", aiming to reduce the number of arms. At the Info stands set-up in the town centre, citizens could get important information regarding the campaign from police officers, and pose any questions relevant questions, as well as pick up promotional material. more »
Zagreb, 15 April 2009

Support system for victims and witnesses of criminal offences must include more institutions

Roundtable Support to Victims and Witnesses of Criminal Offences in Croatia

Roundtable entitled Support to Victims and Witnesses of Criminal Offences in Croatia – Experiences and Recommendations was held as part of a project dedicated to the introduction of witness and victim support system in the Croatian judiciary. The project, being implemented for the past two years, is a result of cooperation between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Croatia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The purpose of the Roundtable was to exchange experiences and find answers when it comes to interagency cooperation and inclusion of all institutions in the penal legal system, health care, social care and non-governmental sector into a comprehensive system of support to victims and witnesses of criminal offences in Croatia. more »
Zagreb, 20 February 2009

Visit of High School Karlovac students to the UN house

The UN House in Zagreb hosted 35 Karlovac High School students on Friday, accompanied by their local community police officer. The visit was organised at the request of the School, as the students expressed interest in learning more about the production, import and export and transfer of small arms and light weapons. The students were introduced to the details of the joint arms collection campaign „Less Arms, Less Tragedies" implemented by the Croatian Ministry of Interior and UNDP Croatia. more »
ZAGREB, 26 January 2009

The Ombudsman is the Main Human Rights Protection Institution

The conference "The Ombudsman as the central anti-discrimination authority" that took place on 26 January in Zagreb, officially marked the beginning of implementation of The Anti-discrimination Act which entered into force on 1 January 2009. The conference addressed two aspects – transfer of authority for implementation of The Anti-discrimination Act to the Ombudsman and his new role as the main human rights protection institution, with the emphasis on human rights promotion, along with the usual receiving and responding to citizen complaints. more »
Zadar, 19 January 2009

Higher witness response rate in courts thanks to the work of Victims and Witnesses Support Offices

Offices for Support to Victims and Witnesses of crimes active at county courts since May 2008

Branko Hrvatin, President of the Supreme Court, Ivan Šimonović, the Minister of Justice and Yuri Afanasiev, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia, came to Zadar today in their first official visit to the Zadar Victims and Witnesses Support Offices operating within the Zadar County Court. Victims and Witnesses Support Offices were established as a result of cooperation between the Croatian Ministry of Justice and UNDP, with support of the Supreme Court. Apart from Zadar, the Offices were opened at county courts in Osijek, Vukovar and Zagreb, as well as at Municipal Criminal Court in Zagreb. more »
28 December 2008

Less Arms - Less Tragedies campaign goes on

Activity report

Throughout December 2008 UNDP Croatia Justice and Security team was involved in awareness raising activities in Eastern Slavonia, to remind the citizens and especially children of all the dangers connected with the possession of illegal firearms. This way UNDP continued the Less Arms - Less Tragedies campaign that has already been singled out as the most effective arms collection campaign in UN history. more »
Zagreb, 22 December 2008

Destruction for Development signed

Ministry of Interior and UNDP signed the Project Document

UNDP Resident Representative Yuri Afanasiev and State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) Ivica Buconjic signed Programme Document "Destruction for Development" on 22 December. The Programme represents a significant step forward as it is a continuation of the Safe Communities Pilot Project implemented jointly by UNDP and MoI throughout 2007 and of the successful arms collection campaign "Less Weapons, Less Tragedies". more »
ZAGREB, 13 October 2008

Delivery of GPS equipment to Antiexplosive Department of Ministry of Interior

On Monday 13 October 2008 United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in the premises of Police Academy delivered 21 GPS devices to the Antiexplosive department of Minsitry of Interior. According to the signed Protocol on Execution of „Less Weapons- Less Tragedies" arms collection campaign pursuant to which 16.500 pieces of different weapons, ammunition and explosives were collected, UNDP purchased EOD software application, 21 GPS devices and topographic map. Twenty GPS devices were delivered to Antiexplosive Departments within 20 Police Administrations and one GPS device for the MoI Headquarters. Purchase of GPS equipment will enable easier data collection and data processing. Police officers will be able to mark mine and explosive affected areas with the additional help of a topographic map. more »
ZAGREB, 12 June 2008

The Croatian Public Eliminated a Great Deal of "The Odd Ones" from their Households

Noteworthy results from the campaign „Less weapons- less tragedies"

The public campaign known as „Less weapons, less tragedies," that evolved from the joint collaboration between the Croatian Ministry of Interior and UNDP, symbolically ended at the Flower square (Cvjetni trg) in Zagreb on 12 June, 2008. The campaign's main objectives were to raise public awareness on the tragedies that so often occur when weapons are handled irresponsibly and ineptly, to encourage citizens to voluntarily surrender all illegal weapons and explosives, and finally, to register all legally allowed weapons. During the past seven months, 16 000 pieces of weapons, over 640 000 pieces of various ammunitions and more than 720 kgs of explosives were collected as a result of the campaign. The campaign provided twenty different cities with all the information necessary to surrender and legalize weapons. more »
ZAGREB, 3 June 2008

State Election Commission emphasised the importance of electoral register regulation

SEC's and UNDP's recommendations to GoC and Parliament on improving the electoral process in Croatia

In the debate on electoral process improvement, held on June 3rd, State Election Commission gave recommendations on elections organization and suggestions on legal regulation changes. Furthermore, the results of UNDP's and SEC's cooperation, that has been active for last 15 months, since SEC was founded as permanent electoral body, were presented. Also, on this occasion UNDP's participation in the Project "Capacity building of the State Election Commission in Croatia" came to an end. The discussion/debate gathered representatives of all government authorities that took part in preparation and implementation of the elections, as well as national and international non-governmental organizations and international agencies. more »
Sv. Martin na Muri, 19 May 2008

Training for Victims and Witnesses Support Offices' Staff in Courts

As a part of development of witnesses and victims support system in Croatia, implemented by UNDP, in cooperation with the Croatian Ministry of Justice, training for employees of newly founded Office for witnesses and victims support in courts was held in the period of May 15-20, in St. Martin on the River Mura. Offices were founded on four courts; county courts in Vukovar, Osijek and Zadar, as well as municipal court in Zagreb, and they have all been active since early May this year. Since the project implies establishment of previously non-existent system, UNDP Office will provide support necessary when it comes to education and qualification of the employees. This training should be considered as a first step of previously announced support. Through this training, legislative framework has been introduced to the employees, as well as psychological aspects involved while dealing and working with victims and witnesses. more »
ZAGREB, 4 April 2008

Zero Landmine Casualty Rate - The Only Acceptable Rate

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action - 4th April

Uncleared landmines remain in the ground for years, often decades, after conflicts cease, killing or wounding 15,000 – 20,000 people (mostly civilians) annually. Due to numerous efforts made to implement demining projects around the world, which result in 100 km2 cleared of mines each year, the number of landmine victims is declining. In 2007 there were an estimated 6,000 landmine victims*. This is the lowest number of recorded incidents since the Mine Ban Treaty, known as the Ottawa Convention, entered into force in 1997. In Croatia, in 2007 there were 8 landmine victims, 5 civilians and 3 mine removal experts, three of whom died. The number was double only few years ago - in 2004 there were 16 landmine victims, and as many as 14 of them died**. more »
OPATIJA, 2 February 2008

Elections Should be Conducted by the State Administration, not by the Judges

Conclusions of the Conference on preparation and implementation of the last and upcoming elections

The next elections should be marked by professionalization of election commissions and electors committees' members. They should come from state administration rather than, as it has been the case so far, being exclusively judges and lawyers. The members of these permanent, professional electoral bodies would be appointed for a mandate period and would have initiative in proposing improvements in electoral procedures and education of all election participants. This is one of the conclusions of the Conference named Overview of parliamentary elections conducted in 2007 – Recommendations for improving electoral process, held in Opatija from 31st January to 2nd February, and organized by State Election Commission of the Republic of Croatia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). more »
ZAGREB, 30 November 2007

Campaign "Spot the Odd One Out: Less Arms - Less Tragedies" Marks its First Month

Results of the campaign, campaign's TV spots and song "Wonderful World" presented

Croatian Ministry of Interior and UNDP presented today at the Cinestar theater in Zagreb first results of the campaign "Spot the Odd One Out: Less Arms - Less Tragedies" since its launch one month ago. The camaign aims at raising public awareness and motivating citizens to legalize or voluntarily surrender firearms. It is directly linked with the new Law on Weapons which foresees voluntary surrender of illegal and legal firearms with no deadline, but also envisions a six months legalization period for approved types of weapons (from 1 September 2007 to 29 February 2008). The campaign has already been presented in seven Croatian cities: Split, Knin, Šibenik, Gospić, Rijeka, Pula and Karlovac. By the end of this year, different events will take place in another three cities: Sisak (1.12.), Slavonski Brod (8.12.) and Osijek (15.12.). The campaign continues in January and will include additional 11 cities by the end of the campaign on March 29th 2008. more »
ZAGREB, 25 September 2007

Operation 'Less Arms - Less Tragedies' Begins

Ivica Buconjic, State Secretary at Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and Yuri Afanasiev, UNDP Resident Representative signed an Agreement on cooperation between Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Republic of Croatia. Signing of this Agreement marks the beginning of Action of Firearms Collection and Public Awareness Raising on the danger of incompetent handling of fire arms and explosive devices. more »
ZAGREB, 24 September 2007

Community Policemen at HRskole.com

Međimurje County Police's efforts to increase safety and reduce crime in the community

Međimurje Police Administration, United Nations Development Programme and "Prometej", an Association for promotion of internet in education from Nedelišće, started cooperation at HRskole.com website. The website, moderated by "Prometej", contains a number of activities for pupils, teachers and parents. With the beginning of new academic year, nine community policemen and one official for prevention form Čakovec, Prelog, Mursko Središće and other primary and secondary schools in Međimurje County, became involved with this Internet service for exchange of information and communication among pupils, teachers and other employees in educational institutions. more »
ZAGREB, 20 July 2007

Survey on Court Support to Victims and Witnesses of Crimes Presented

The first research on support to crime victims and witnesses in Croatia was presented at the round table in Novinarski dom in Zagreb on Friday, July 20. The aim of the research, conducted among witnesses and judges, was to provide the comparative analysis of existing system of support to victims and witnesses in criminal offence cases in courts, and experiences and needs of the witnesses. The research shows that witnesses of criminal offences predominantly need: information on their rights (83.8%), legal counselling (68.5%), psychological and emotional support (60%), and guaranteed safety and protection of privacy. more »
Zagreb, 3 April 2007

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, 4th April

Croatia continues to suffer from one of the highest levels of explosive remnants of war in Europe. Unexploded landmines, explosive devices and grenades continue to kill and injure civilians with disturbing regularity. According to the data of the Croatian Demining Centre, Croatia still has about 240,000 unactivated mines inside mine suspect areas, which today spreads over 12 out of 21 counties, i.e. over 121 cities and municipalities. Since beginning of the war till today, there were 1896 mine victims. Few years back, the number of mine victims is decreasing year after year. In 2006, there were 11 victims of mines in Croatia, out of which 1 death casualty, while in 2004 that number was 16 victims, out of which 14 death casualties. more »
Zagreb, 8 February 2007

CITIZENS' TRUST IN RULE-OF-LAW INSTITUTIONS MUST BE RESTORED, SAYS UNDP

International conference Establishing the Truth about War Crimes and Conflicts

Addressing the legacies of past conflict and human rights violations is a tremendous challenge, a long-term and always a very painful process, yet it is imperative for a society to build the foundations for lasting peace and development, and to restore citizens' trust in the institutions that guarantee the rule of law after a period of violent conflict, said today UNDP Resident Representative in Croatia, Yuri Afanasiev. more »
Zagreb, 5 December 2006

Launch of the survey on Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Republic of Croatia

The launch of the Survey of the UNDP's EUSAC program on Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Republic of Croatia was held on Tuesday in Zagreb. The research was completed in cooperation between the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration and the European Union, with the aim to resolve problems of armed violence and crime, arms trafficking, as well as the problem of the remained weapons from the 90s. This Survey represents the base for drafting the National Strategy for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, which should be finalized by the beginning of the next year. more »
Igalo, Montenegro, 28 August 2006

TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE IN THE REGION:

MECHANISMS OF CONFRONTING THE CONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

The two week Learning Workshop on Transitional Justice for parliamentarians and representatives of judiciaries from the region was concluded yesterday. The workshop was envisaged as part of the United Nations Development Programme's regional „Transitional Justice Programme". The Learning Workshops were organized by UNDP Serbia's Judicial Reform/Rule of Law Cluster, in cooperation with UNDP Offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo and Montenegro. more »
Herceg Novi, Igalo, Montenegro, 14 August 2006

SUMMER SCHOOL ON TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

The Regional Transitional Justice Programme Learning Workshops for Parliamentarians and Representatives of Judiciaries is organized by UNDP Serbia in cooperation with UNDP Offices in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro. The aim of this event is to introduce elements of transitional justice and to offer best international practices and an overview of the situation in the region. more »
New York, 26 June 2006

New UN PoA: "Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons"

From 26 June to 7 July representatives of UN Member States met in New York to discuss and agree on a new UN Programme of Action (PoA) to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). The UN estimates that each day 1,000 people die worldwide at gunpoint. This obvious and tragic human impact is compounded by the additional burdens of associated health costs, lost earnings, instability and crime which undermine development and stifle good governance. This grim prognosis is not restricted to active conflict states or dangerous inner cities. more »
Belgrade, 22 June 2006

BUILDING REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES

Conclusions from the UNDP International Conference

Signs of a growing momentum for transitional justice issues, the need for higher involvement of governments, and the need to create a regional judicial panel and transfer of the archives of the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia to the region – are just some of the conclusions from the UNDP organised International Conference on "Building Regional Partnerships", held last week in Belgrade Sava Centre. more »
Belgrade, 13 June 2006

Building Partnerships for Transitional Justice Initiatives

International Conference

Within UNDP regional Transitional Justice programme, UNDP Belgrade office, in partnership with the UNDP offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo and Montenegro, organizes the International Conference "Building Partnerships for Transitional Justice Initiatives", 13-15 June, in Belgrade Sava Centre. more »