National Safety Mechanisms - Croatia
National Safety Context
According to the Observatory of Killed Journalists there have been 2 killings recorded in Croatia since 1993. All of these crimes have been judicially resolved according to the latest Director-General's Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity. Croatia has responded to all of the Director-General's requests for information on the judicial status of the cases of these killed journalists since 2011.
There are 2 ongoing national action plans in Croatia specific to improving the safety of journalists and 2 national safety mechanisms being implemented to prevent, protect and prosecute crimes committed against journalists. More information on these initiatives is summarised below including relevant links.
Expert Working Group for the Suppression of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation
The Expert Working Group for the Suppression of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation has been operational since 2021.
What activities are carried out?
The Expert Working Group engages in several preventative and protective measures to promote the safety of journalists.
The Expert Working Group monitors comparative data on attacks against journalists provided by civil society organisations. It also makes policy recommendations advocating for increased awareness of SLAPPs, and early recognition and dismissal of SLAPPs. The Expert Working Group organizes roundtables with local civil society, and other stakeholders.
A contact point in the Ministry of Justice and Administration was established to provide support to journalists targeted by SLAPPs.
How is it implemented? / Who are the stakeholders
The main implementing stakeholder is the Ministry of Culture and Media, however the Expert Working Group is made up of representatives from Office of the Ombudsman, relevant government ministries, the Croatian Journalists'鈥疉ssociation (HND), the Trade鈥疷nion鈥痮f鈥疌roatian Journalist (SNH), the Croatian Bar Association, representatives from the Judicial Academy, representatives from the academic community and representatives from the media sector.
Agreement of Cooperation signed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Croatian Journalists Association and the Trade Union of Croatian Journalists
The Agreement of Cooperation was signed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Croatian Journalists Association and the Trade Union of Croatian Journalists in 2023. The agreement covers journalists and media workers.
What activities are carried out?
The Agreement aims to improve cooperation between the police and media workers to ensure their safety during public events they are covering, such as protests.
The Agreement established a monitoring mechanism within the Ministry of Internal Affairs which collects data and reports to journalist associations and relevant government ministries.
The Agreement is complemented by two Protocols, each containing different provisions for the safety of journalists. Protocol II focusses on preventing threats to media workers for a safer environment. It promotes dialogue between journalists and police officers in case of public events, by providing an interlocutor with the law enforcement to warn journalists of possible changes in the security situation.
Protocol I provides for medical assistance be provided to media workers, as well as increasing effective investigative measures in the case of attacks against journalists.
How is it implemented?
The Agreement implementation based on information exchange, dialogue and collaboration, between police and media actors.
Who are the stakeholders
The Agreement brings together the Croatian Journalists鈥 Association, the Trade Union of Croatian Journalists, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Media, Ministry of Culture and Media.
Action Plan for the Development of Culture and the Media (2023-2024)
The Action Plan was established in 2023. The Plan covers journalists, media workers, and artists.
What activities are carried out?
The Action Plan seeks to improve the role of the media and status of journalists. Several recommendations address the safety of journalists, including the establishment of mechanisms for the early recognition and rejection of unfounded court proceedings strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs).
How is it implemented?
In order for the National Action Plan to be implemented, a National Coordination Committee for the Implementation of Measures of the Action Plan for the Development of Culture and Media of Croatia was established in March 2024.
Who are the stakeholders?
The Action Plan is implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Media. The Coordination Committee brings together, representatives from relevant government ministries, journalists, editors-in-chief, representatives of professional associations, legal experts, media publishers, non-profit media entities, public broadcasters, and academic experts from various faculties. The Committee is headed by the Directorate for Media and Development of Cultural and Creative Industries.
National Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Combatting Discrimination (2023-2027)
The National Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Combatting Discrimination has been active since 2023.
What activities are carried out?
One of the Specific Objectives of the National Plan is to improve 鈥渃ooperation with civil-society organizations and the media in protecting human rights and combatting discrimination鈥. One of the measures stipulated in the plan to reach this objective is to 鈥渆nsure a free media and enhance the professional work of journalists.鈥
How is it implemented? / Who are the stakeholders?
The main implementing authority of the National Plan is the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities. A Working Group was established for the elaboration of the National Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Combatting Discrimination for the period from 2021 to 2027.
For more specific information on the national action plan in Croatia and those in other countries please follow the link.
