Author
Inclusion policy at the national level
Croatia currently does not have a valid migration policy, the most important national strategic document for migration management. In the period up to 2015, Croatia adopted two migration policies, one for the period 2007-2008, and the subsequent one for the period 2013-2015. Although according to some information from previous years, a new migration policy is being prepared, but it was drafted primarily by the Croatian Ministry of Interior, without significant involvement of independent professionals, and without the involvement of civil society organisations, no new information was available at the end of 2024.
The previous Action plan for the integration of beneficiaries of international protection, which covered the period from 2017-2019 expired at the end of 2019. By the end of 2024, the new Action Plan was still not adopted. According to the Ombudsman’s report for 2024, given that its draft had not been submitted for public consultation until the beginning of 2025, a new document will be drafted. In 2024, neither the Action Plan for Combating Discrimination for 2024 and 2025 nor the Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights for 2024 and 2025 was adopted. Both documents were only in public consultation at the end of 2024.[1]
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in its Concluding observations on the combined ninth to fourteenth periodic reports of Croatia from October 2023, recommended Croatia to take measures, including developing and implementing a policy framework, to enhance the full participation and integration of migrants, applicants for international protection and refugees into society, including by providing language training, vocational training and employment opportunities.[2]
In accordance with the LITP, the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities (OHRRNM) of the Government of the Republic of Croatia coordinates the work of all Ministries, non-governmental organisations and other bodies that participate in the process of inclusion in society of asylees or foreigners under subsidiary protection within the framework of the Permanent Commission for the Implementation of the Integration of Foreigners into Croatian Society and the associated Working Group that prepares proposals of national strategic documents in this area.[3] The Permanent Commission for Integration was established in 2013, and it has been expanded several times since then. The tasks of the Permanent Commission for Integration include, among other things, monitoring and coordination of the implementation of regulations, programs, strategies and plans in the field of integration of asylees or foreigners under subsidiary protection.
At the session held on 19 December 2022, the Permanent Commission unanimously adopted the Protocol on Procedures for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection.[4] The Protocol was prepared in a participatory process and through cooperation with representatives of the academia, local self-government units and competent departmental bodies. The Working Group for the preparation of the Protocol on Procedures for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection, consisted of representatives of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labour, the Pension System, Family and Social Policy, the Ministry of Science and Education, the Ministry of Health, the Central State Office for reconstruction and housing, the Croatian Employment Service, the City of Zagreb, City of Karlovac and City of Varaždin.[5]
In 2024, OHRRNM started with the implementation of the project SINERGY – „Ensuring a synergistic approach to the integration of citizens of third countries”, co-financed by the AMIF.[6] In July 2024, the initial conference of the project was held, where the project activities were presented. The main goals of the project are to reduce administrative obstacles in accessing guaranteed rights and services by providing translation services into the languages most often used by persons granted international protection and other third-country nationals, to strengthen the coordination capacities of the integration system through intensifying cooperation with local self-government units, third-country nationals and civil society organizations, to increase the awareness of key stakeholders and the general population regarding legal migration and the contribution of third-country nationals to the development of society and to improve the process of drafting, monitoring implementation, and reporting on the results of the implementation and evaluation of the impact of the implementation of measures from the strategic acts for integration from the perspective of the implementation holder and user.
In the second half of 2024, the OHRRNM completed preparations for the establishment of a centralized electronic database of interpreters/translators for the languages most often used by persons granted international protection and other third-country nationals. The database will provide easier access to quality translation/interpretation services for all users who need translation/ interpretation assistance. Users of the database will be state and public administration bodies, local and regional self-government units, and other institutions that provide services to persons granted international protection (doctors, school teachers, social workers,…).
As part of the SINERGY project, in June 2024 the Advisory Group of Third-Country Nationals and Persons with a Migrant Background was established and ten members were appointed. The aim of establishing the Advisory group is to strengthen the perspective of third-country nationals and persons with a migrant background in the political debate and contribute to the improvement of integration policies by providing recommendations to decision-makers at all levels and involving them in the creation, implementation and evaluation of integration policies and strategies. A total of eight meetings of the Advisory Group will be held during the SINERGY project, and at the meetings, members will primarily address four thematic areas: work and employment; health care for foreigners; language learning and education and accommodation and housing.
The first two meetings of the Advisory Group were held in October and November 2024. The main topics were the challenges and opportunities for third-country nationals on the Croatian labor market. In addition to members of the Advisory Group and representatives of the OHRRNM, representatives of the Croatian Employment Service and the Croatian Employers’ Association also participated at the meetings. A policy report based on the meetings held on the topic of Labor and Employment is under preparation and will be presented at a round table in 2025. Some of the problems highlighted by the members of the Advisory Group are: recognition of foreign qualifications and difficult access to employment in the profession, and problems with self-employment and access to the labor market. Also, through the experiences of the members of the Advisory Group, significant challenges were identified regarding the lack of coordination between institutions, which leads to long administrative procedures, delays in issuing permits, and unclear procedures that make it difficult to employ and move foreign workers. In addition to the above, the language barrier and integration in the workplace, as well as discrimination and working conditions, are still cited as problems. OHRRNM highlighted that not all members are persons granted international protection, so the above does not apply exclusively to this group, but more broadly to all third-country nationals.
Also, in November 2024, the first meeting with representatives of civil society organizations and international organizations was held as part of the SINERGY project. During the project, six meetings will be held with representatives of civil society organizations and international organizations. The purpose of the meetings is the exchange of information and experiences related to the implementation of international and domestic projects, initiatives and activities aimed at improving the standards of reception and integration of citizens of third countries.
The Croatian Red Cross reported that numerous trainings were conducted during 2024 on the topic of migration and integration of persons under international and temporary protection. In cooperation with the Agency for Education, training courses are regularly held for professional staff of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools on the topic of integration of refugee children into the education system. Training courses are mainly held online so that participation is possible for staff from all over Croatia, while one training course on this topic was held live in city of Rijeka.[7]
Inclusion policy at the local level
At the local level , the first Action Plan of the City of Zagreb for the Integration of Applicants for and Beneficiaries of International Protection for 2022[8] was adopted in January 2022, making the City of Zagreb the first unit of local and regional self-government in Croatia to adopt such strategic document.[9] Measures and activities included social protection, health care, language learning and education, work and employment, strengthening local capacities and intercity and international cooperation. In May 2023, the City Assembly of the City of Zagreb adopted new Action Plan of the City of Zagreb for the implementation of the Charter of Integrating Cities for 2023 and 2024.[10] The general objective of the Action Plan is to encourage and implement the integration of applicants for international protection, persons granted international or temporary protection, and foreign workers residing in the City of Zagreb, into society, and to contribute to the development of the entire migration policy in the Republic of Croatia. The specific objectives of the Action Plan are elaborated through 7 thematic areas: 1. Information and exercise of rights; 2. Social and health care; 3. Language learning and education; 4. Intercultural learning; 5. Preparation for job search and employment; 6. Strengthening of local integration capacities; and 7. Intercity and international cooperation.
During 2024, the implementation of the Action Plan of the City of Zagreb for the implementation of the Charter of Integrating Cities for 2023 and 2024 has continued, which is aimed at the integration of applicants for international protection, persons granted international or temporary protection and foreign workers residing in the area of the City of Zagreb.
A Croatian language course was organized at the SUVAG School of Foreign Languages for applicants for international protection, persons granted international or temporary protection, and foreign workers with residence and work permits, with the option of taking exams and obtaining a certificate of Croatian language proficiency, which is required for regulation of status in Croatia or continuation of education. The Croatian language course was also implemented by six civil society organizations selected through a Public Call for Expressions of Interest from civil society organizations to participate in the implementation of the City of Zagreb’s Action Plan for the implementation of the Integrating Cities Charter for 2023 and 2024. Participants mainly attended language courses at beginner levels (A1, A2, and B1).
A total of 443 participants attended the free Croatian language course. Additionally, 10 persons passed the certified exam without attending the course, for which €1,194.50 was spent. Furthermore, the City of Zagreb co-financed 12 civil society organizations for the implementation of measures and activities from the Action Plan (interpretation services, cultural mediation, women’s empowerment, workshops introducing Croatian culture and traditions, raising public awareness on the topic of integration, and strengthening the competencies of City of Zagreb officials). In 2024, a Public Call was also issued for awarding financial support for the education of secondary school students and university students granted international or temporary protection for the year 2024. The call foresees 75 scholarships in the amount of €2,000 per student. The scholarships are paid as a one-time amount from the City of Zagreb’s Budget for 2024.
In addition, four EU integration projects were implemented in the course of 2024: the Cities4Refugees project, funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, and the UNITES project, funded by the AMIF, both of which concluded in 2024; the CONSOLIDATE project, implemented in partnership with the EUROCITIES network and funded by AMIF; and the Plan Einstein Academy project, which began in October 2024 and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the URBACT programme. The Plan Einstein Academy project is an innovative approach to the reception, integration and inclusion of foreigners in cities from the first day of their arrival, whose concept and basic principles were developed by the City of Utrecht. City of Zagreb participates in the Plan Einstein Academy project as one of six partner cities. As part of the Cities4Refugees project, a final conference was held to present the results of the two-year activities and the plan for the continuation of the project. As part of the UNITES project, the research was carried out as the last activity of the project (i.e. mapping the needs of refugees and migrants in Zagreb, which will be the basis for the development of a new strategic integration document of city).
In addition, the implementation of the project ‘ALTERNative Education – Intercultural School Lesson‘ also continued in Zagreb’s primary and secondary schools. This project, which contributes to reducing prejudice by creating the conditions for building a fair and inclusive society, was implemented during 2024 in 49 Zagreb schools (29 primary and 17 secondary schools), involving 1,300 students.[11]
In November 2023, the City of Zagreb and UNHCR organized a round table to discuss modalities for a ‘one-stop shop’ for refugees, which was expected to be launched under the City of Zagreb’s local integration action plan in 2024, with UNHCR support.
In March 2024, UNHCR, together with the City of Zagreb, organized a training for the staff of Croatia’s first ‘one-stop shop’. In addition to an introduction to refugee protection, over 30 representatives from local government and civil society organizations strengthened their capacity for communicating with communities; identification and referral of survivors of gender-based violence and victims of trafficking, and empowering refugees and applicants for international protection for employment. This took place in the framework of the City of Zagreb’s local integration action plan, and was followed by joint World Refugee Day events on 15 June, and the signature of a Cooperation Agreement between UNHCR and the City of Zagreb on 19 September 2024, and the Welcome Centre (One Stop Shop) was opened in Zagreb with UNHCR support.[12]The One Stop Shop is envisaged as a unique central point for informing applicants for international protection, individuals granted international or temporary protection, and foreign workers with residence and work permits. It is the first service of this kind in Croatia. In the Welcome Centre beneficiaries can get information from the field of social protection and health in the jurisdiction of the City, information on enrolment in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, on opportunities to obtain scholarships for pupils and students with granted international and temporary protection, general legal information, information on regulating civil status (marriage, registration of life partnership, registration of birth, etc.), information on the performance of economic activities through trades, information on enrolment in Croatian language courses and information on all other integration activities (educations, workshops, cultural mediation, etc.).[13] In addition to providing information about all available services and rights under the responsibility of the City of Zagreb, clients will also be able to receive information about the implementation and inclusion in other integration activities carried out by the City of Zagreb within its Action Plan.[14]
In July 2024, Integration Coordinators at the local level were appointed as part of the SINERGY project led by OHRRNM.[15] A total of ten coordinators were appointed from the following cities: City of Gospić, City of Karlovac, City of Osijek, City of Pazin, City of Rijeka, City of Sisak, City of Split, City of Sveta Nedjelja, City of Varaždin and City of Zagreb. During the SINERGY project, five meetings of Integration Coordinators will be held at the local level with the aim of exchanging experiences and strengthening local self-government in the integration of persons granted international protection. The first two meetings were held in September and December 2024.
As a positive change, OHRRNM pointed out that the City of Split finances a Croatian language course for citizens of third countries. Also, the City of Split plans to create a strategic document that will refer to the integration of citizens of third countries and persons granted international protection.
The OHRRNM also reported that the City of Sisak highlighted the successful cooperation with the Croatian Employment Service, the Red Cross, the Center for Cultural Dialogue and the Center for Stress and Trauma in the field of integration. Also, the City of Karlovac has good cooperation with civil society organizations regarding the integration of foreigners into Croatian society, and activities for the purpose of inclusion are regularly held. The City Society of the Red Cross of Karlovac, in cooperation with the City of Karlovac, launched the Social Supermarket project to provide free distribution of basic food items and hygiene items to the most vulnerable groups of citizens.
The Croatin Red Cross reported that, in cooperation with UNHCR, two workshops on the topic of international protection and integration were organized for professional stakeholders in local communities. The workshops were held in Požega and Bjelovar.[16]
In October and November 2023, UNHCR presented its Municipal Toolkit[17] to over 30 local stakeholders in eastern and southern Croatia, promoting this tool for the effective inclusion of refugees at the local level.[18]
Information made available
In 2022, the integration.zagreb.hr website, was created. The website contains information on the rights and services provided by the City of Zagreb for applicants for international protection, persons granted international protection and persons under temporary protection. The information is published in Croatian, English, Arabic, Farsi and Ukrainian and refers to services in the fields of social protection, health care, education, employment, free legal aid and cultural activities organised by the cultural centres of the City of Zagreb.[19]
In 2021, the Ministry of Interior published frequently asked questions and answers in regard to the status granted under international protection in several languages.[20]
Basic information for the Integration of Foreigners can be found in an amended guide for integration which was prepared by the Croatian Governmental Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities in 2019. The guide is available in seven languages (Croatian, English, French, Ukrainian, Arabic, Urdu and Farsi).[21] In 2022, the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities published an updated edition of the Guide for Integration in Croatian and Ukrainian.[22]
In February 2023, the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities issued a brochure “The Rights of Persons Granted International and Temporary Protection“. The brochure contains information on the available mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights and the suppression of discrimination in Croatia, especially in the context of international and temporary protection. The brochure is available in twelve languages: Arabic, English, Farsi, Filipino, French, Hindi, Croatian, Nepali, Pashto, Spanish, Turkish and Ukrainian.[23]
In 2022, the Governmental Office for Gender Equality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and UNHCR, published a leaflet intended to inform victims of gender-based violence about available protection options and services. The leaflet is intended primarily for female migrants, refugees and applicants for international protection, although it acknowledges that gender-based violence can be committed against men. It is available in 8 languages (Arabic, Croatian, English, Farsi, French, Kurdish, Turkish and Urdu).[24]
In 2021, the Ministry of Interior created the application “Resettle in Croatia”.[25] The application was created with the aim of providing faster and easier access to information and guidelines for persons who arrive in Croatia under a resettlement programme, and who were granted international protection upon arrival. The application was developed as part of the project “Establishment of a resettlement mechanism” co-financed by AMIF. In addition to information on the different steps, i.e., the procedure in the Republic of Türkiye and after the arrival in the Republic of Croatia for persons from the resettlement programme, the application offers information on the rights that persons acquire after obtaining international protection and how to exercise these rights and obligations in Croatia. The application further offers all persons who have been granted asylum or subsidiary protection in Croatia useful information on all important aspects of life in Croatia from health care, education, work, housing to easier access to activities necessary for daily functioning. The application is available in Croatian, English, Arabic and Kurdish.[26]
On the ‘Help’ website run by UNHCR, persons granted international protection can also find information about their rights, obligations and the services available to them in Croatia.[27]
In 2022, the association RODA (Parents in Action), with the support of UNICEF, created a website[28] where basic information is provided to families on the move and families with children staying in Croatia.[29] In 2024, the UNICEF Office for Croatia, in cooperation with its implementing partner RODA, upgraded the website. The website includes information on access to healthcare services, nutrition, appropriate care, community resources and support in Croatia, and is intended for parents and caregivers of children aged 0–7, as well as professionals. The website is available in Croatian, French, Ukrainian and Arabic. As part of this collaboration, a needs assessment is also being carried out to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and needs of programme users—parents of young and preschool-aged children (0–7 years) who are applicants for international protection, have been granted protection, are foreign workers, or have another legal status in Croatia. The objective is to ensure that all parents/caregivers have access to relevant information through the website on the necessary support and resources, enabling them to effectively fulfil their parental responsibilities, integrate into the community, and provide optimal early childhood support to their children. The results of the assessment will be available in 2025.[30]
The Count me in Platform is an outcome of the European-funded project DIFE – Digital Integration for Equality. The aim of this project was to support the lifelong learning and education of migrants and members of the Romani community in the EU through the development of a free digital learning platform. The platform contains courses in the fields of active citizenship, labour integration, digital literacy, and health and relationship. It is available in several languages, while the course materials are translated into Arabic, Farsi and Romani. The project was implemented by a consortium of four organizations: Initiative – Centre for Education (Croatia), Adult Education Centre Lendava (Slovenia), Institute for Roma and Minorities Integration (Germany) and Welcome Home International (Belgium).[31]
Main issues related to inclusion
As reported in previous years, beneficiaries of international protection still face challenges exercising their rights, as detailed in this Chapter. The MIPEX 2020 ranking listed Croatia among the countries categorised as Equality on paper – Slightly unfavourable.[32]
The main problems with regards to integration identified are the non-implementation of Croatian language courses, difficulties in exercising the right to health care, delays in preparatory classes for children, and difficulties accessing education. The Ombudswoman reported that persons under international protection were not granted access to the basic Croatian language course offered through the CES voucher scheme, while persons under temporary protection and foreign workers were and are allowed access.[33]
The Croatian Red Cross reported that during 2024, in Zagreb, Croatian language courses were implemented by civil society organizations, but in other cities, beneficiaries did not have any opportunity to attend a Croatian language course. In practice, persons granted international protection still have difficulty finding a general practitioner, and doctors often expect them to be accompanied by an interpreter. Family reunification is also one of the major problems for persons granted international protection, as the procedure is a complicated and lengthy and requires a lot of financial resources. The competent institutions are not flexible and ready to cooperate, so much depends on the capabilities of civil society organizations to assist the beneficiaries.[34]
The association Borders:None reported challenges in accessing the rental market in Zagreb without the mediation of a Croatian national. Additionally, the options for finding housing in Zagreb through governmental support are limited. Accessible Croatian language courses at the intermediate level are scarce, while advanced-level courses are nonexistent. Other persistent challenges highlighted by Borders:None include limited job opportunities in the field of education of persons granted international protection, complex and costly procedures for the nostrification of diplomas for regulated professions, difficulties in accessing healthcare for unemployed persons granted international protection, due to both the limited knowledge of medical staff and the shortage of interpreters who could help beneficiaries of international protection access their rights.[35]
The UNICEF Office in Croatia reported that national systems still lack sufficient inclusivity to respond in a timely manner to the specific needs of children and families granted international protection. The UNICEF Office in Croatia is therefore focused on strengthening the capacities of existing professionals who work directly with children and families in migration, including those granted international protection, with the aim of building more resilient national systems that can provide faster and more effective support to children and their caregivers, including facilitating their integration into Croatian society.[36]
At the local level, the city of Zagreb organised a certified Croatian language course during 2024 (see more under Inclusion policy at the local level above).
The UNICEF Office for Croatia reported that national systems are still not sufficiently inclusive to respond to the specific needs of children and families granted international protection in a timely manner. Therefore, the UNICEF Office for Croatia is focused on strengthening existing professionals who work directly with children and families in migration, including persons granted international protection, with the aim of creating more resilient national systems that enable faster and more effective support for children and their caregivers, including their integration in Croatia. The UNICEF Office for Croatia has established a Programme Committee to support the implementation of the programme “Support to Children and Families in Migration in the Protection and Integration Process in Croatia“, which has the role and responsibility to monitor the implementation of the programme and the realization of results, advocate and provide support in ensuring the sustainability of the results and objectives of the Programme, and promote the Programme. The Programme Committee is composed of representatives of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, the Ministry of Health, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Croatian Institute for Social Work, Education and Teacher Training Agency, the Centre for Community Service Provision Zagreb-Dugave, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Zagreb, and civil society organisations – implementing partners of UNICEF Croatia (RODA – Parents in Action, HURID, Brave Phone, etc.).[37]
The Centre for Peace studies (CPS) reported that in 2024, beneficiaries of international protection encountered a number of institutional barriers as well as discrimination practices in exercising their rights. CPS reported problems relating to Croatian language courses, access to the healthcare system, delays in preparatory classes for children, challenges accessing higher education and exercising rights of the students, and access to the housing system. CPS also reported problems in the recognition of qualifications and notification of diplomas when persons have documents proving their education, as well as a lack of customised procedures for recognition of qualifications when they do not have documents. CPS also pointed out that access to information in institutions is problematic. People often do not receive answers in English but in Croatian, which makes it very difficult for them to find their way around, collect the necessary paperwork, etc.[38] In addition, as a part of the project “City for Everybody ‒ Building Responsible Action for Inclusive Local Communities“, desk and qualitative research on manifestations of racism and xenophobia in Zagreb was conducted and the research report was made by CPS. The report provides an overview of the current situation, individual sectors in which racialized persons are particularly victims of racism and discrimination, such as housing and employment, and provides an overview of recommendations and good practices.[39] As part of the project “FRED – For Equality and Diversity, Against Racism“, funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, a study was conducted entitled “Attitudes Toward Foreigners and Minorities in Croatian Society in 2024: Threat, Encounter, Coexistence?”.[40] The project is led by the CPS, in partnership with the Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia, the Centre for Peace, Nonviolence and Human Rights Osijek, and the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR). The main objective of this study, conducted in mid-2024, was to explore the attitudes of adult Croatian citizens toward foreigners and selected minority social groups in Croatian society. An additional objective was to determine whether and to what extent these attitudes have changed over time, particularly in comparison to similar studies conducted in 2013 and 2017. These changes were examined in relation to views on immigrants and minorities, as well as broader perceptions of cultural and ethnic diversity—therefore also touching on issues of discrimination and xenophobia. The study shows that over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in prejudice, xenophobia, perceptions of threat, and negative attitudes toward immigration in Croatia, particularly towards specific migrant groups. On the other hand, there are also encouraging findings—for example, a majority of citizens believe that foreigners in Croatia should have the right to protection from discrimination (58%) and the right to equal pay for equal work, just like Croatian citizens (56%).
Are You Syrious? (AYS) reported problems with access to preparatory classes for children and higher education, as well as challenges within the health system.[41]
As of September 2024, Croatian Red Cross, as UNHCR’s implementing partner, was present daily at the Welcome Center (One Stop Shop) of the City of Zagreb to support employees of the City of Zagreb in providing services to applicants for international protection and persons granted international and temporary protection.[42]
JRS reported difficulties in accessing healthcare and finding accommodation for beneficiaries of international protection.They also reported that the language barrier further complicates integration and access to rights.[43]
The Web platform for integration is maintained by the NGO Mi.[44]
NGO support to BIPs
To overcome those challenges, beneficiaries are assisted by various NGOs:
In 2024, the Croatian Red Cross (CRC) has been involved in improving the integration process in a broader sense, and was also a member of the Coordination of the City of Zagreb for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection and the Commission for for the allocation of education grants to secondary school students and students under the international and temporary protection of the City of Zagreb. Furthermore, as an UNHCR partner, since September 2024, the CRC has been working at the Welcome Center of the City of Zagreb in order to support the employees of the City of Zagreb in providing advisory services to applicants for international protection and persons under international and temporary protection. Before that, the CRC employees, in cooperation with UNHCR, held training for employees of the City of Zagreb on the topic of integration.[45]
In the course of 2024, Rehabilitation Centre for Stress and Trauma (RCT), provided support to victims of torture in overcoming traumatic events and improving integration into the local community. Throughout 2024, RCT provided support to persons granted international protection through individual psychosocial counselling, individual psychological counselling, and assistance with everyday integration, particularly in communication with institutions. In addition, socio-cultural workshops were held, and support was provided for learning the Croatian language and improving digital skills.[46]
In March 2020, the Ministry of Interior and the NGO “Centre for Cultural Dialogue” (CCD) concluded an agreement on the allocation of financial resources for the implementation of the project “New Neighbours – inclusion of persons who have been granted international protection in Croatian society”, aiming at improving their living conditions (through AMIF). The implementation of the project began in April 2020 [47] and the project ended in March 2023.
In March 2024, a new public call was announced for the financing of a project in the area of support provision for the inclusion of beneficiaries of international protection in Croatian society.[48] The decision on the allocation of financial resources for the implementation of the CCD’s project “New Neighbours 2.0 – inclusion of persons granted international protection into Croatian society” was adopted by the Ministry of Interior only in April 2025.[49] This resulted in the absence of more systematic support for persons under international protection for a period of two years.[50]
In 2024, AYS assisted beneficiaries of international protection with activities on access to the labour market, which in practice meant assisting them in drafting resumes, finding suitable jobs in rapport to beneficiaries’ education, work experience and contacting potential employers. AYS also provided individual consultations on the rights of persons under international protection particularly regarding rights from the social welfare system, pension insurance, health care and education. Beneficiaries were also assisted in several health care institutions (health centres, hospitals, dental practice, etc.); in communication with social welfare institutions, in exercising rights from the social welfare system and with enrollment in kindergarten, primary and secondary school, higher education and adult education. Support to school-aged children was also provided in learning Croatian language, mastering school materials, cooperating with schools and mediating in the communication between parents and schools. AYS continued to run a so-called FREE SHOP – a place where applicants for and beneficiaries of international protection can get clothes, shoes, hygiene items, dishes and other household items free of charge. AYS also provided 5 informal initial Croatian language courses for applicants for international protection and beneficiaries of international protection.[51]
In 2024, lawyers of the Croatian Law Centre, as UNHCR’s implementing partner, provided legal information to beneficiaries of international protection in person, over the phone, WhatsApp and e-mail. In addition, during first half of 2024, CLC continued with the implementation of the family reunification assistance program within the project “Complementary pathways for Southeast Europe – COMP4SEE” financed by AMIF and co-financed by the Office for Cooperation with NGOs of the Government of the Republic of Croatia. The Project aimed to contribute to development of complementary pathways by creating new models of private sponsorships and offering recommendations for the improvement of national family reunification systems. The family reunification assistance program., in addition to the legal aid component, also included other aspects of support, primarily assistance with the translation of documents and financial support for certain aspects of the procedure (for example, payment of consular fees or travel expenses). The project ended at the end of June 2024.
In 2024, the Croatian Law Centre, as an implementing partner of UNHCR, in collaboration with the Croatian Employment Service produced the brochure „The right to work – applicants for international protection, persons granted international protection and foreigners under temporary protection”. The brochure provides key information on the right to employment and work, as well as the protection of these rights.The brochure is available in Croatian, English, Ukrainian, Russian, French, Turkish, Arabic and Farsi.[52]
The Centre for Peace Studies (CPS) provided different types of support to persons granted international protection. Individual language support was provided, two Croatian language courses were organized and conducted, and guidelines and informational materials related to rights and the functioning of the integration system were developed. Direct support was also provided for visits to institutions and dealing with bureaucratic procedures, helping individuals to better navigate the administrative system. Furthermore, the CPS is a provider of free legal aid, so legal aid regarding various status-related matters was offered to persons granted international protection at CPS premises, as well as via telephone and online.[53]
The Society for Psychological Assistance provided continuous psychosocial support to children and family members of persons with international or temporary protection, which helped them face the challenges of integration and everyday life. The focus on individual counseling allowed children to get the necessary support, while parents also got the opportunity to participate in counseling meetings, which had a positive effect on family dynamics.[54]
As part of the two-year project DIDI: Two-Way and Dynamic Integration, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, aimed at supporting the integration of persons granted international protection in the Sisak-Moslavina and Karlovac counties, Civil Rights Project Sisak (CRP) organized a social gathering with 20 beneficiaries in June 2024, with the goal of promoting economic and emotional empowerment to beneficiaries of international protection. In November, the CRP held a workshop entitled How to Be More Competitive on the Labour Market, during which participants received support packages.[55]
The Festival of Tolerance promoted refugee inclusion through activities such as: educational programs for schools, which was implemented throughout Croatia and where beneficiaries of international protection participated as panellists; workshops and training for journalists in which persons granted protection participated as guest lecturers; and through marking World Refugee Day by creating murals with refugees.[56]
JRS provided assistance in finding suitable accommodation, in conducting Croatian language courses, in the access to the labor market, in the family reunification process, as cultural mediation, through integration workshops and through the intercultural encounters.[57]
[1] Ombudswoman, Report of the Ombudswoman for 2024, page 162, available at: https://www.ombudsman.hr/hr/download/izvje-e-pu-ke-pravobraniteljice-za-2024-godinu/?wpdmdl=20339&refresh=67efca50785f31743768144/.
[2] United Nations, Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; Concluding observations on the combined ninth to fourteenth periodic reports of Croatia, available at: https://bit.ly/4b83B6D.
[3] Article 76 (5) LITP.
[4] Text of the Protocol on Procedures for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection is available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3K49FD3. and in English: https://bit.ly/3N6l4Uj.
[5] Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities: The Protocol on Procedures for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection has been published, available in Croatian at: http://bit.ly/3z1cWww.
[6] Information provided by the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities, 18 February 2025.
[7] Information provided by the Croatian Red Cross, 20 January 2025.
[8] Text of the Action Plan is available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3Zbg9o0.
[9] See more at: http://bit.ly/40cXQjw.
[10] Action Plan of the City of Zagreb for the implementation of the Charter of Integrating Cities for 2023 and 2024, available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3xmVYeN.
[11] Information provided by the City of Zagreb, 28 January 2025.
[12] Information provided by the UNHCR Office for Croatia, 18 March 2025.
[13] Information provided by City of Zagreb, 20 September 2024.
[14] More information available at: https://zagreb.hr/about-us/205335.
[15] Information provided by the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities, 18 February 2025.
[16] Information provided by the Croatian Red Cross, 20 January 2025.
[17] UNHCR, Effective Inclusion of Refugees: participatory approaches for practitioners at the local level, A toolkit by UNHCR and Migration Policy Group, available at: https://bit.ly/4eqB0fM.
[18] UNHCR: CROATIA FACT SHEET, February 2024, available in English at: https://bit.ly/3XwXCFl.
[19] EMN, EMN Quarterly n. 39, April – June 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3RzfrzX.
[20] Ministry of Interior: Frequently asked questions, available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3jrnayt.
[21] Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities, An updated edition of the Integration Guide has been published, 21 January 2019, available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/2Xi52wX.
[22] Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities: An updated edition of the publication Guide for Integration published, available in Croatian at: http://bit.ly/3K46LxT.
[23] Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities: Brochure Rights of the persons granted international and temporary protection issued, available in Croatian at: http://bit.ly/3lGIJQn.
[24] Office for Gender Equality, The Office for Gender Equality published a leaflet for female migrants, refugees and asylum applicants, available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3FNHzte.
[25] EMN HR, Resettle in Croatia, 4 October 2021, available at: https://bit.ly/3hRLEQt.
[26] Application (Re)Settle in Croatia is available via Google Play: https://bit.ly/3hHzBp4; and Apple App Store: https://apple.co/3Mvkihh.
[27] UNHCR, Help, Website available at: https://bit.ly/3sPxNNF; see also videos available at: https://bit.ly/3nki3RI.
[28] See: https://www.parentingincroatia.eu/.
[29] Information provided by RODA, 6 December 2022.
[30] Information provided by the UNICEF Office for Croatia, 4 February 2025.
[31] More information available at: https://countmein.academy/about/.
[32] Equality on paper means that immigrants do not enjoy equal opportunities. This group of countries goes only halfway towards providing immigrants with basic rights and a secure future. Policies may encourage the public to see immigrants as subordinates, not equal and not potential citizens. See the Mipex key findings here: https://www.mipex.eu/key-findings.
[33] Ombudswoman, Report of the Ombudswoman for 2024, page 174, available at: https://www.ombudsman.hr/hr/download/izvje-e-pu-ke-pravobraniteljice-za-2024-godinu/?wpdmdl=20339&refresh=67efca50785f31743768144.
[34] Information provided by Croatian Red Cross, 20 January 2025.
[35] Information provided by Borders:None, 12 March 2025.
[36] Information provided by UNICEF Office for Croatia, 4 February 2025.
[37] Information provided by UNICEF Office for Croatia, 4 February 2025.
[38] Information provided by Centre for Peace Studies, 27 February 2025.
[39] Centre for Peace Studies (Lucija Mulaić and Cvijeta Senta): City for Everybody ‒ Building Responsible Action for Inclusive Local Communities (CFIER), National report ‒ Croatia, available at: https://www.cms.hr/wp-content/uploads/Cifer_national_report_HR.pdf.
[40] Drago Župarić Iljić, Sra Lalić (Centre for Peace Studies): “Attitudes Toward Foreigners and Minorities in Croatian Society in 2024: Threat, Encounter, Coexistence?”; available at: https://www.cms.hr/publikacija/stavovi-prema-strancima-i-manjinama-u-hrvatskom-drustvu-u-2024-godini-prijetnja-susret-suzivot/.
[41] Information provided by Are You Syrious, 15 January 2025.
[42] Information provided by Croatian Red Cross, 20 January 2025.
[43] Information provided by JRS, 15 January 2025.
[44] The website is available at: https://www.irh.hr/.
[45] Information provided by the Croatian Red Cross, 20 January 2025.
[46] Rehabilitation Centre for Stress and Trauma; Annual Report for 2024, February 2025, available at: https://rctzg.hr/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Godisnji-izvjestaj-o-radu-za-2024.godinu.pdf.
[47] EMN, Bulletin number 31, August 2020, available at: https://bit.ly/3Xppds9.
[48] Ministry of Interior: Public call for the financing of a project in the area of providing support for the inclusion of beneficiaries of international protection in Croatian society, available at: https://bit.ly/3z7M5Cf.
[49] Ministry of Interior: Decision on the allocation of financial resources for the implementation of the project “New Neighbors 2.0 – Inclusion of Persons with Granted International Protection into Croatian Society”.
[50] In the context of their right of reply, 21 August 2025, the Ministry of Interior provided further information. In particular, pursuant to the provisions of the Law on International and Temporary Protection, an asylee and an alien under subsidiary protection have the right to assistance in joining the society for a maximum of three years from the service of the status decision. Integration assistance activities are carried out by the Ministry of Interior directly and/or through a selected partner organization. According to the Ministry of Interior, integration assistance activities are continuously carried out directly by the Ministry of Interior and any other project activities implies additional support to the integration process.
[51] Information provided by Are You Syrious, 15 January 2025.
[52] CLC: brochure „The right to work – applicants for international protection, persons granted international protection and foreigners under temporary protection”, available in in Croatian, English, Ukrainian, Russian at: https://www.hpc.hr/2024/02/05/izradena-brosura-pravo-na-rad-trazitelja-medunarodne-zastite-osoba-s-odobrenom-medunarodnom-zastitom-i-osoba-pod-privremenom-zastitom/ and in French, Turkish, Arabic and Farsi at: https://www.hpc.hr/2024/08/23/brosura-o-pravu-na-rad-dostupna-i-na-francuskom-turskom-i-farsi-jeziku/.
[53] Information provided by the Centre for Peace Studies, 27 February 2025.
[54] Information provided by Society for Psychological Assistance, 13 January 2025.
[55] Information provided by Civil Rights Project Sisak, 15 January 2025.
[56] Information provided by Festival of Tolerance, 10 Martch 2025.
[57] Information provided by JRS, 15 January 2025.