What is the role of UNHCR in Croatia?
In Croatia, the Croatian Government / Ministry of the Interior has the responsibility to process asylum claims and to decide whether somebody can be granted protection in Croatia. They are also responsible for the accommodation of refugees and asylum seekers.
UNHCR in Croatia does not register refugees, examine asylum applications, or issue refugee documents and is not involved in the provision of accommodation. UNHCR closely monitors the government’s compliance with international standards of refugee law and provides legal expertise with regards to the Croatian asylum framework. For these purposes, UNHCR closely co-operates with NGO legal counsellors, lawyers, the Croatian asylum authorities, and the courts.
UNHCR advocates for swift access to fair and efficient asylum procedures but cannot exert any influence on the proceedings which are conducted by the Croatian authorities.
UNHCR is also active in raising awareness of refugee issues and works together with NGOs, academic institutions, the media, and the private sector.
UNHCR provides individual counselling through specialized counselling organizations. Based on challenges reported by refugees and asylum seekers through the counselling process, UNHCR brings these issues to the attention of the authorities and advocates for finding solutions.