CRO., BOSNIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEES SLAM HDZ PARTY, INT. REPS.

ZAGREB, April 11 (Hina) - The Helsinki committees for human rights of Croatia and Bosnia issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning Bosnia's HDZ party for "creating an illegal environment and non-constitutional institutions," as well as similar activities by international representatives in Bosnia. "HHO and HKBiH condemn the non-constitutional and illegal activity of the HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) and its partners in the constitution of 'Croat self-rule'," said the statement issued in Zagreb and Sarajevo "The creation of an illegal environment and non-constitutional institutions is in itself contrary to aspirations to exercise and protect human rights and freedoms," the statement said. The two committees believe the constitutional protection of human rights and freedoms has not yet been established throughout Bosnia. "The constitutions of the (two) entities are not adjusted to the (Bosnian) Constitution as regards the full equality of all peoples and citizens... not one of the constitutions has completely recognised provisions of international conventions on human rights and freedoms," said the statement. It adds Croats in Bosnia share the fate of Bosnia's three constituent peoples in terms of violations of the right to return to pre-war homes, property restitution, the right to work and social security. Human rights are violated the most in Bosnia's Serb republic, especially those of local Croats and Muslims, the two committees said. The best way to reach solutions which will meet the three people's needs and interests and be politically and legally valid by changing the constitutions, the statement said. (hina) ha