International Human Rights Day – 10 December

Today, we commemorate the adoption of the overarching global framework for the protection of every individual's fundamental rights - the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Seventy-six years ago, as the world was recovering from the horrors of the Second World War, states united in the determination to prevent such devastation from ever recurring and jointly produced a document built upon three guiding principles for UN member states: universality - human rights belong to all; indivisibility - all human rights are of equal value; and interdependence - all human rights are interconnected. In today's climate of numerous geopolitical challenges, armed conflicts, disinformation, and the weakening of democratic standards, human rights must remain the compass we do not lose from sight. Therefore, the core principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be protected and promoted today just as steadfastly as they were 76 years ago. The Republic of Croatia is especially aware of this, as a country that, in addition to securing its freedom and independence, also defended the freedom of its citizens and their human rights during the Homeland War.

In 2025, Croatian diplomacy has been significantly engaged in the promotion of human rights. Drawing on its own experience and witnessing the tragedies of -ongoing wars, Croatia - together with partner states in the UN Human Rights Council - initiated the adoption of a resolution on anti-personnel mines and their harmful impact on human rights. In efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and under Croatia's leadership, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 27 June as the International Day of Deafblindness. Croatia has also devoted particular attention to the issue of persons missing in armed conflicts, vigorously advocating this topic throughout its bilateral and multilateral foreign policy activities, including through round tables, lectures, and the exhibition Behind the Sky by visual artist Gordana Špoljar Andrašić. In November, the Republic of Croatia also successfully presented its fourth national report under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review of human rights. This comprehensive review highlighted Croatia's achievements and provided space to reflect on further efforts to protect the human rights of every individual.

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