Croatia

Croatia thanks Azerbaijan for convening this important debate on women, the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict-affected situations, an issue to which Croatia attaches great importance in the context of further advancing the women and peace and security agenda at the global, regional and national levels.

In our view, ensuring gender equality is one of the basic principles with regard to respect for human rights. Transitions can present opportunities to strengthen women's rights, leadership and empowerment. It is crucial to put in place gender-responsive transitional justice measures as a key element in the processes of restoring the rule of law and governance systems in any conflict-affected situation.

Owing to discriminatory legal frameworks and practices, women and girls are more vulnerable to conflict- related violations of their rights, including sexual violence. It is of vital importance that the culture of impunity that still prevails with regard to such crimes be addressed. Based on our own tragic experiences of the aggression on Croatia in the 1990s, during which rape was used as a method of intimidation and terror, we are convinced that the issue of sexual violence in conflict can be adequately addressed only through a comprehensive approach. In our view, victims' rights and access to reparations is one of the most gender- responsive transitional justice measures. The Croatian Government is currently preparing comprehensive legislation by which the survivors of sexual violence from the 1990s will be entitled to the status of civilian victims of war.

We also welcome the adoption of the resolution 2106 (2013), on strengthening of the prevention and prosecution of conflict-related sexual violence, and support the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. As a member of the group of global champions of the prevention of sexual violence initiative, Croatia will spare no effort to take a more prominent role in preventing and combating sexual violence in conflicts.

We believe that greater coordination and synergy among international partners would further improve the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on the ground.

Female members of the Croatian Armed Forces involved in international assignments actively work as commanders, military observers and staff officers. We are particularly proud to state that, in coordination with NATO, in December we will deploy our first female general as gender adviser to the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul. At the regional level, we strongly support the adoption of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe action plan on women, peace and security at the forthcoming ministerial meeting in Kiev.

In conclusion, Croatia will continue to give its full support to all aspects of the women, peace and security agenda.