Minister Malenica with Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights Flaherty

On 17 March, Minister of Justice and Public Administration Ivan Malenica met with Michael O' Flaherty, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.

They had a discussion on strengthening the fight against antisemitism, countering hate speech and hate crime, improving the crime victims’ protection system and helping Ukraine.

Director Flaherty highligted the role of the Agency to support Member States in safeguarding fundamental human rights. He welcomed the activities planned by Croatia during its presidency over the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), stressing that the fight against antisemitism is an EU priority.

Minister Malenica referred to the Presidency of the IHRA is an honour as well as a commitment that Croatia wants to use to further affirm and strengthen engagement in the fight against antisemitism, denial and distortion of the Holocaust at international level. Therefore, the “Future of Remembrance” initiative will be at the heart of Croatia’s presidency, in order to preserve a culture of remembrance of the Holocaust victims and to promote tolerance by implementing IHRA’s definitions. 

They went on to discuss countering hate speech and hate crime, in particular on digital platforms.

They exchanged views in the area of improving the crime victims’ protection system and helping victims from Ukraine. Director O'Flaherty pointed out Croatia’s unique role in the European Union as the only Member State whose territory was affected by war in recent history. Minister Malenica reiterated Croatia’s readiness to share experiences with Ukraine as well as its insistence on fighting impunity for war crimes. 

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