The Ombudsperson (Pučki/a pravobranitelj/ica in Croatian) is a state institution responsible for safeguarding your human rights in Croatia.
How can it help you
Investigation of potential human rights violations
If you believe that Croatian state officials or institutions have violated your human rights, you can submit a complaint to the Ombudsperson At the end of the investigation, the Ombudsperson will issue an opinion on whether there has been a violation of your rights or not. Please note that the Ombudsperson cannot change or amend the decisions of courts or state institutions, but having discovered violations or problems in a law or practice of state institutions, they can propose appropriate changes.
The opinion of the Ombudsperson is not binding on state institutions, but they can take it into account when deciding on your compensation claim. For example, if the Ombudsperson has issued an opinion that your human rights have been violated, you can claim compensation for such a violation. The Ombudsperson's opinion can help you defend your claim in the court or institution examining your claim.
Read more about the complaint procedure.
Understanding your human rights and explaining how better to defend them
If you are not sure if your human rights have been violated or whether the Ombudsperson can investigate your case, you can e-mail (info@ombudsman.hr) or call (+385 1 4851 855) their office before you make an application. The Ombudsperson can help you with various human rights-related questions, but keep in mind that he cannot act as your lawyer, give unlimited free legal aid or represent you in court.
Activities
- Protecting the rights and legal interests of a person in the case of a human rights violation
- Ensuring equal treatment and the prevention of discrimination
- Evaluation of compliance with human rights requirements under existing and draft legislation
- Human rights monitoring
- Education and awareness-raising in society regarding human rights standards and protection mechanisms
More information & Contacts
ombudsman.hr/en/
info@ombudsman.hr
+ 385 1 4851 853, +385 1 4851 855
The Ombudsperson’s Office
Savska cesta 41/3
10000 Zagreb
Croatia