HOMELAND WAR CIVILIAN CASUALTIES SEEK PROTECTION OF THEIR RIGHTS

ZAGREB, Oct 29 (Hina) - Representatives of the Association of civilians who sustained injuries in the Homeland War on Friday informed reporters of the serious position of these invalids, particularly of children wounded in the war. They propose an act on the protection of civilian invalids and families of civilians killed in the Homeland War, in order to solve their problems. During the war, 306 children were killed, 1,276 kids sustained injuries and 200 of them have become seriously disabled persons, the Association's Vice-President Marija Vrazic told a news conference. In addition, 3,115 civilians lost their lives in the Homeland War, and 908 civilians are still missing. The Association's representative, Tomislav Kirin, added that there were 10,000 civilian casualties in the war but, only 3,000 managed to receive the status of the civilian victims. Kirin told reporters that the Social Welfare and Labour Ministry had declined to support their draft bill on this matter explaining that the state has no sufficient financial means for this purpose. Under the act drafted by the Association, all categories of civilians wounded in the war would be protected. Besides, families of killed civilians who are now unable to earn their living, would be offered better assistance. The Association pointed to the sad fact that families of missing civilians have to initiate court proceedings to proclaim their missing dears dead in order to be granted minimum rights. (hina) jn ms