Ombudswoman Anka Slosnjak said she and the 10 employees in her office travelled around the country to convey a strong message to disabled persons and to encourage them in the struggle for their rights.
Presidential envoy Vesna Skulic read out President Ivo Josipovic's message in which he praised the ombudswoman's office for playing a significant role in society.
According to the last census, some 525,000 people in Croatia have disabilities. Of this number, 22,000 are persons with the severest disabilities, including children.
UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton said Croatia was one of the first countries to have signed and ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.