Geneva, 11 November 2025: The United Kingdom has addressed Croatia’s progress in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council, highlighting both achievements and areas requiring further action. Eleanor Sanders, the UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, delivered the statement during Croatia’s review in Geneva on 10 November 2025.
UK Recognition of Croatia’s Efforts
The UK acknowledged Croatia’s active engagement in the UPR process and welcomed recent measures, including the National Plan for Gender Equality. Ambassador Sanders noted that Croatia continues to address various recommendations from its previous UPR, emphasizing that these efforts are ongoing.
Recommendations for Improvement
The UK made several key recommendations for Croatia:
- Ensure journalists can operate independently without fear of targeting, imprisonment, or other forms of retribution, including through amendments to relevant laws where necessary.
- Enhance the National Plan for Roma Inclusion by making the Action Plan more ambitious and considering new measures to achieve its stated goals.
- Take all reasonable steps to provide persons with disabilities equal opportunities in the workplace and ensure reasonable adjustments under domestic law.
Closing Remarks
Ambassador Sanders concluded the statement by wishing Croatia a successful review at the Human Rights Council, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting ongoing human rights improvements in the country.