We must warn that obstruction of refugee arrival opposes Croatian, European and international legislation, and is above all contrary to the principles of humane conduct and solidarity. We remind the Government of the Republic of Croatia and Ministry of Interior (hereinafter MUP) of having continuously stressed over the previous days and weeks that refugees shall, for the reasons stated, have right to undisturbed entry and, at the very least, temporary care treatment in Croatia.

It is clear and unquestionable, as both Croatian Government and MUP frequently emphasized, that most persons arriving to Croatia during this crisis are fleeing war conflict, persecution and other circumstances that clearly qualify them as refugees needing international protection. We would also like to remind that, due to existing migration control measures in the EU and wider, an irregular way of travel and entry is most often the only possible way available to refugees (as well as other migrants) entering Croatian and other countries’ territory. We ask for the term “illegal” not to be used as an argument to prevent refugees from entering or justify their detention. 

We remind MUP and other institutions of the Republic of Croatia that countries like Serbia, Macedonia and Greece lack appropriate refugee protection systems, thus making it unacceptable to detain refugees in such areas or ask of them to seek protection there, instead of within the Republic of Croatia. Additionally, over the past days the Government and MUP have been emphasizing that building of territorial barrier-walls (as seen in Hungary) is unacceptable and will not become Croatia’s approach. By such solutions, as we would like to warn, the refugees are confined to a limited number of states that can’t provide adequate protective measures, are forced to pursue further dangerous irregular migration channels and put through additional psychological an physical trauma. As academic and NGO employees, but also as human beings, we urge the authorities to abolish the current decree on refugee arrival as soon as possible, and to provide the persons in question with the necessary help and support.

Application of humanitarian law is a priority nowadays, as well as declaring an international humanitarian crisis. We appeal to the Government of the Republic of Croatia to seek help from other countries in order to secure the refugees’ passage in and out of the EU. Since Croatia had, over the course of wartime 1990’s and during later transition, been successful in accommodation of several hundred thousand refugees on a permanent basis and without significant international aid, we believe there are no obstacles to provide the current refugees with temporary or permanent assistance, according to individual wishes and the country’s capabilities. We find the initial decision on refugee reception previously issued by the Republic of Croatia admirable and urge institutions to continue such practice.