International studies, Vol. II No. 3, 2002.
Original scientific paper
Ten Years of Policy towards Minorities in Croatia
Siniša Tatalović
; Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb
Abstract
The process of defining the position of national minorities in the Republic of Croatia was dealt with either autonomously or in cooperation with the institutions of international community. After the Constitutional Law on National Minority was endorsed, opportunities for members of ethnic minorities to acquire their rights have been formally enhanced. This was furthermore corroborated after an adequate implementary legislation was implemented and basic international documents that refer to minority rights protection were confirmed. In this context, special position hold Framework Convention for Ethnic Minorities Protection and European Charter on Regional and Minority Languages. However, current political and social circumstances in Croatia are not very propitious for accomplishment of minority rights. Consequences of war, current complex and grave economic and social situation have had their impacts, so that minority rights cannot be discussed in the manner as they are within some well-ordered and stable country. Still, as Croatia proceeds on its way to European integration and thus all the ensuing positive aspects of the process, it is to be expected from Croatia to realize rather soon that its ethnic minorities represent its wealth and certainly not some burden. It is through its ethnic minorities that Croatia can accomplish a better linkage and cooperation with certain significant countries in its neighbourhood, and not only in the cultural, but also in the economic field as well.
Keywords
national minorities; Croatia; electoral system
Hrčak ID:
286478
URI
Publication date:
30.9.2002.
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