ZAGREB, April 12 (Hina) - In the past ten years the executive authorities have not implemented a single parliamentary decision on the ombudsman's reports, ombudsman Ante Klaric said in parliament on Friday, submitting a report on his
work in 2001.
ZAGREB, April 12 (Hina) - In the past ten years the executive
authorities have not implemented a single parliamentary decision
on the ombudsman's reports, ombudsman Ante Klaric said in
parliament on Friday, submitting a report on his work in 2001. #L#
Klaric said that his report reflected the economic and social
situation as well as the state of morality which burdened Croatian
citizens.
"In less than a year the number of unemployed people increased by
several dozen thousands, poverty has been spreading, companies are
closing down and tax-payers' money is used to cover the
consequences of white-collar crime, particularly in banks," Klaric
said.
Governing bodies and bodies with public powers have been violating
citizens' rights for years and the reasons why citizens seek
protection are almost always the same. This particularly refers to
long trials, particularly those concerning property-rights
relations, Klaric said.
Competent authorities have not reacted adequately to his warnings
and messages, the ombudsman said, adding that most ministries, as
well as the government, had turned a deaf ear to his warnings and
ignored the institution of the ombudsman.
Klaric also claims that budgetary funds for last year are not enough
for the normal work of his office, which he says can have
unforeseeable consequences. Klaric also complained about the lack
of adequate offices.
He proposes the establishment of "civil councils" for the education
of citizens and provision of legal counsel.
The parliamentary benches supported Klaric's report, saying that
it was unacceptable for government bodies to ignore the stands of
the person who was authorised by the parliament to protect citizens
in disputes with state administration. They also criticised the
government for ignoring previous parliamentary conclusions
concerning the ombudsman's reports. Social Democratic Party (SDP)
deputies suggested that the Law on the Ombudsman be amended as soon
as possible so that he could be provided with legal instruments to
protect the citizens' constitutional and legal rights in an
adequate manner. It has been suggested that the government organise
a discussion on the human rights situation in Croatia.
The MPs also urged providing the Ombudsman's office with adequate
funds and other conditions for normal operation.
(hina) sb rml