Refugees were denied asylum because of SOA's assessment that there is a security obstacle and no further explanation was provided, Magda Sindicic of AYS and Gordan Bosanac of CMS told reporters.
They presented a report about the arbitrary and too broad interpretation of the security obstacle, lack of independent oversight of the questioning of the security obstacle, and the difficult legal status of persons denied international protection or status in Croatia.
AYS and CMS called for ending the practice which they say violates the human rights of refugees and aliens in Croatia, and for the relevant institutions to punish those responsible for wrongdoing by state bodies.
They called on the president and the prime minister to launch an investigation into SOA's possible unlawful and arbitrary actions, and on the parliamentary home affairs and national security committee to inspect the work of the Interior Ministry and SOA.
They also called for the appointment this week of a competent and uncompromised council for the civilian oversight of security and intelligence agencies.
Also today, the non-profit Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) said in a press release it had received numerous complaints from refugees in reception centres in Zagreb and Kutina about decision making on their requests for international protection in Croatia.
The JRS said it did not question the state's need to vet some aliens but that one should examine decisions which, for unexplained reasons, declared as security threats the most vulnerable refugees seeking peace, protection and security in Croatia.
The JRS said asylum seekers and their lawyers were unable to get SOA's opinion and could not defend themselves or contest the reasons for being declared as threats.
Political institutions throughout Europe are creating and inciting an anti-migrant climate and intensively working on restricting the European asylum system, the JRS said, adding that these refugees came from war-torn regions such as Syria or Iraq, including disabled, elderly and sick persons as well as single parents with children.
"These are people for whom Croatia is responsible under Croatian laws, international law, but also morally. That's why we will continue to advocate transparent decision making on international protection and the right of refugees to security and protection," said JRS head Tvrtko Barun.