History

From the breakup of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire after World War I to the Croatian war of the early 1990s, Croatia’s recent history has encompassed oppression, struggle and conflict. The result is a severe landmine crisis.

• During the 1990s, landmines were used to protect defensive positions and infrastructure.
• It is estimated that 14 out of the 21 counties in Croatia, representing 1,700 square kilometers, are contaminated by landmines and UXO.
• Most landmines are found in Dubrovnik and in Eastern Slavonia, the last Serb-held territory.

Mine Action

The Republic of Croatia is committed to eradicating landmines and has set a goal to be mine free by 2010.  Recent updates indicate that all high and medium priority sites can be cleared by 2008 if the international community continues to provide support.

•         It ratified the Mine Ban Treaty on May 20^, 1998 and became a State Party on March 1, 1999. 

•         Croatia met its goal to destroy its stockpile of 199,003 antipersonnel mines by 2002.

•         National laws created penal sanctions for violations of the treaty and established a body to monitor the treaty’s implementation.

•         Croatia served as the co-chair of the Standing Committee on Stockpile Destruction from September 2001 to September 2002.

•         It also gave its consent to be bound by Amended Protocol II of the Convention on Conventional Weapons.

•         Croatia is not producing mines or using them.

•         Croatian soldiers are not permitted to use landmines or assist in using them in Croatia or other countries and the transport of antipersonnel mines across Croatia is prohibited.

•         As of 2003, 42.3 million square meters of mine free land have already been handed over to communities for reconstruction and development.

The priorities for landmine clearance continue to be yards, arable land attached to house yards, and infrastructure such as roads, electric plants, water pipelines, telecommunications and tourist routes.

The government warns that despite progress being made, there are still many landmines in circulation. For example, although the Farewell to Arms campaign in 2003 encouraged civilians to hand over approximately 16,000 landmines, many more are suspected to remain in civilian possession.