Croatia

ODIHR recognizes Croatia's efforts to improve hate crime recording and data collection, and welcomes that the recently updated Protocol for Procedure in Cases of Hate Crime anticipates that data on hate crime disaggregated by bias motivation shall be made public. However, based on the available information, it observes that Croatia's hate crime recording and statistics do not sufficiently distinguish hate crimes from other crimes. In addition, ODIHR observes that Croatia would benefit from the awareness-raising and capacity-building of criminal justice officials about hate crimes.

ODIHR recalls that in the Ministerial Council Decision 9/09, participating States have agreed to a definition of hate crimes shared by all OSCE participating States. They have also committed to collecting reliable data and statistics on hate crimes. To that end, hate crimes need to be distinguished throughout the recording and data collection process from incitement to hatred offences and other crimes falling outside of the OSCE's hate crime definition. In the same Ministerial Council Decision 9/09, participating States have committed to introducing or further developing professional training and capacity-building activities for law-enforcement, prosecution, and judicial officials dealing with hate crimes. ODIHR stands ready to support Croatia in meeting its relevant commitments through the provision of comprehensive resources and tailored assistance in the area of hate crime recording and data collection, as well as further providing resources and tailored capacity building assistance for police, prosecution, and judiciary.

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