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National Society

Maja Antonić

Voditeljica Ureda izvršnog predsjednika / Head of Office of the Executive President

Hrvatski Crveni križ / Croatian Red Cross

e-mail: maja.antonic@hck.hr


Yes

Parliament of the Republic of Croatia has adopted as lex specialis, the Law on the Rights of Victims of Sexual Violence in the Homeland War, entered into force on June 18, 2015.
The Law is based on results of research conducted in 2013 by UNDP in co-operation with the Croatian Government about a possible number of victims of sexual violence during the Homeland War (1990 – 1996), forms of violence and a possible way of coping. The estimation is that the number of victims was around 2,200.
The law on victims of sexual violence in the war finally gives the recognition, compensation and support they need - finally recognizing the rights in accordance with the UN and EU standards.
The survivors granted with status of victims of sexual violence are provided with additional psychosocial assistance, medical services and rehabilitation to them and their families and granted financial compensation for the abuse they have suffered.

The law overcame the isolation and neglect that victims have experienced, assisting them in reintegrating into society and restoring their trust in the system while simultaneously changing social perception to alleviate the stigma and indifference of the society they are facing.
On that way the national legal framework and administrative process and procedures for victims are the implementation of also supported by authority, states agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.
As an auxiliary to our government the Croatian Red Cross has experience in providing protection services and assist vulnerable groups, vulnerable among of migrants, also persons at risk of SGBV.
The CRC provides direct assistance to adult victims of human trafficking among them often are victims of sexual exploitation - which could be also victims/survivors of arms conflict, disasters and other emergences.
CRC treat every survivor with respect: the safety of survivors and their families is paramount, respect the choices, wishes, rights and confidentiality of survivors and their families, services and support without discrimination on any grounds.
Service and assistance include safe accommodation, psychosocial support, reintegration programme, humanitarian assistance and referrals to other relevant service providers.
Prevention
The Croatian Red Cross takes steps to raise awareness among persons of concern, professionals, school staff, and students - preliminary indicators for identification of persons in need - victims/ survivors (and/or not trafficked) - to prevent SGBV - promote gender equality, emphasize the principles of non-discrimination, equality before the law, and equality before courts and tribunals.


included in the programme of the dissemination of IHL
- HD to authorities for including in the military education programme



We would appreciate receiving documents about the HD with relevant actual UN analyses, adopted good practices to mitigate on national level for implementation in order to improve prevention and identification of potential or actual victims of SGBV - for further assistance and protection mechanism with better targeting and harmonising the system of assistance and protection of victims and to encourage and enable persons of concern to become actively involved in protecting women, men, girls and boys against SGBV, including through community-based protection networks and initiatives.