REFERENCE BOOK "HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLICE" PRESENTED IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, April 4 (Hina) - A reference book for the education of police forces, "Human Rights and Police", was presented at the Croatian Journalists' Association on Tuesday. The presentation was organised by the UNHCR Office in Croatia and the Croatian Foreign Ministry. The translation and printing of this publication is part of a project between the U.N. and the Croatian government on the strengthening and protection of human rights in Croatia. The book includes detailed information on the sources, systems and standards of human rights for police, as well as practical instructions and international instruments. Interior Minister Sime Lucin said the book should become an integral part of regular police training and police courses. "The basic precondition for the just operation of police is the functioning of the rule of law, which guarantees the protection of human rights," Lucin said. Recalling that the Croatian police was established in the Homeland War and that it needed to undergo reorganisation, Lucin said that "conditions for the Interior Ministry to become completely open to the public must be fulfilled by the end of this year." The head of the UNHCR Office in Croatia, Bayisa Wak-Woya, said the police had the key role in the struggle between the state, as the guarantor, and the citizen, as the bearer of human rights. Wak-Woya said the role of police in a democratic society is to protect the public order and basic human and civil rights. This requires knowledge of conduct in given circumstances, he said, adding the book would significantly contribute to that process. (hina) rml