ZAGREB, March 22, 2018 - The government on Thursday adopted an interpretive statement alongside a bill on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention which says the aim of the Convention is protection of women from all forms of violence, that its provisions do not contain the obligation to introduce gender ideology in Croatia's legal and educational system, and that the Convention is in line with constitutional provisions, notably on protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
"The Republic of Croatia believes the goal of the Convention is the protection of women from all forms of violence and the prevention, prosecution and elimination of violence against women and domestic violence," the interpretive statement says, adding that "Croatia believes the Convention's provisions do not contain the obligation to introduce gender ideology in Croatia's legal and education system nor the obligation to change the constitutional definition of marriage."
The statement says "Croatia believes the Convention is in line with the provisions of (its) Constitution..., notably provisions on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms," and that "it will apply the Convention by taking into consideration said provisions, and the principles and values of (Croatia's) constitutional order."
The interpretive statement says its purpose is to exactly define and explain the meaning and scope of the Convention or some of its provisions. With this statement, "Croatia is putting forward an interpretation of the goal of the Convention, which is the protection of women from all forms of violence and the prevention, prosecution and elimination of violence against women and domestic violence. Such an interpretation confirms that the Convention, for example, does not have as a goal the recognition of a third sex or changing the constitutional definition of marriage."
The statement says the Istanbul Convention is in line with the Croatian Constitution's provisions on family, the definition of marriage, parents' rights regarding the upbringing of their children and the freedom of faith.
The statement says the bill on the ratification of the Convention sends "a strong political message on (Croatia's) commitment to combating violence against women and domestic violence, and creates a synergy of all stakeholders whose actions are aimed at combating violence against women and domestic violence."
Government ministers unanimously supported the adoption of a bill on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, with Demography, Family, Youth and Social Policy Minister Nada Murganić saying the goal was to protect victims. "It's important to strengthen prevention and preventive measures," she said at a cabinet meeting at which the bill was unanimously endorsed and sent to parliament, together with an interpretive statement. Murganić underlined the importance of education in preventing violence against women and domestic violence, saying "the interpretive statement underlines what the Convention brings and what it does not bring." "Gender is based on two sexes and the Convention explains that there are socially shaped roles of conduct, actions and characteristics which a certain society deems appropriate for women and men. Therefore it is based on two sexes, male and female," Murganić said.
Economy Minister Martina Dalić said the Convention was a step in the direction of strengthening social justice in society. Foreign Minister Marija Pejčinović Burić said the Convention strengthened the fight against violence against women and domestic violence.
Education Minister Blaženka Divjak supported the ratification of the Convention, saying "the stereotypical roles of women and men should be fought also through the education system." Regional Development Minister Gabrijela Žalac said "the interpretive statement removed all the doubts that existed."
Defence Minister Damir Krstičević fully supported the Convention, saying a society was as strong as its care for the weakest and the most vulnerable. Interior Minister Davor Božinović warned about the extent of domestic violence and violence against women.
