OFFICE OF UN HIGH COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS TO CLOSE DOWN

ZAGREB, Dec 20 (Hina) - The Zagreb Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees will close down by the end of this year after nine years, the Office head Juan Pablo Ordonez said on Friday. #L# The office will be closed due to financial reasons, which is why it is impossible to continue the mission, Ordonez said a ceremony at the Zagreb office. He stated that the human rights situation in Croatia had improved over the past several years, but was still far from being perfect. The work of the Office will be continued by the Human Rights Centre, an independent institution which will assist the government and non-government organisations in promoting human rights. The centre should be co-ordinated by Croatian Helsinki Committee executive director Tin Gazivoda. In his farewell speech Ordonez stated that Croatia was still undergoing transition and was yet to strengthen democratic principles. Human rights in Croatia should be protected from any type of discrimination and the authorities must step up reconciliation efforts, Ordonez said, adding that this included bringing to justice people who committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. (hina) rml sb