The statement reads that the NGOs are worried about the government's failure to initiate open dialogue with citizens about Croatia's plans to join the alliance although preparations for admission have been conducted for several years.
They accuse the government of failing to offer any alternative to possible membership in NATO.
"We believe that the Government is obliged to prepare and provide citizens as soon as possible with complete, correct and unbiased data about the advantages and costs of admission or non-admission to NATO. After that is done, we appeal to Parliament members and the heads of state and government to call a referendum on Croatia's admission to NATO in accordance with the Constitution," the statement reads.
If the government, the parliament and the president do not accept the proposal for holding the referendum, NGOs will consider the possibility of collecting signatures for a petition urging the holding of the referendum.