Croatia: Bill to Compensate Survivors of Wartime Rape a Welcome Step in Addressing the Legacy of Sexual Violence in Conflict

For immediate release

(New York, USA, 7 April 2015)

I welcome the Government of Croatia’s passage of a new bill to compensate victims of sexual violence committed during the war in that country almost twenty years ago.

The bill, which must still be approved by parliament, would provide financial compensation including a one-time payment of up to 20,000 euros and monthly stipends of 320 euros.  More importantly, survivors would be entitled to the necessary services and support they need to heal from the trauma they experienced and help rebuild their lives, including medical care, rehabilitative services, psychological counselling and legal aid.

I commend the Government for its recognition of the need to provide holistic care for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and the important step it has taken to address the injustice perpetrated against thousands of women, men and children.  The Government’s leadership on this issue sends a message to survivors that they are not forgotten and that their pain and suffering will not go unacknowledged or unaddressed.

This bill will help the country heal the wounds of war and can serve as an example for other countries dealing with the debilitating legacy of wartime rape.

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For additional information, please contact:

Ms. La Neice Collins, Communications Officer, collins3@un.org, +1 212 963 1160