1. Unbreakable Logjam - Survey on Impediments for Return of Serb Refugees to Croatia
- Author
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Helsingin yliopisto, Poliittinen historia (Yhteiskuntahistorian laitos), University of Helsinki, Political History (Department of Social Science History), Helsingfors universitet, Politisk historia (Institutionen för samhällshistoria), Mäkinen, Mika, Helsingin yliopisto, Poliittinen historia (Yhteiskuntahistorian laitos), University of Helsinki, Political History (Department of Social Science History), Helsingfors universitet, Politisk historia (Institutionen för samhällshistoria), and Mäkinen, Mika
- Abstract
The break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s resulted in a substantial movement of population within, into and out of the Republic of Croatia. Among these movements between 300,000 and 350,000 Croatian Serbs left their homes in Croatia during the years 1991-1995. The return of these refugees continues to be controversial for Croatia even over ten years after the end of the wars in Croatia and Bosnia. This study evaluates the success of return process of Croatian Serb refugees as well as the main impediments hampering this return. It becomes clear that the return of Serb refugees has not been a success. Key reasons obstructing the return have been lack of security, discriminatory domestic legislation and its application as well as difficulties in housing related issues. One can conclude that the Croatian authorities have not been willing to fully facilitate the return of Croatian Serbs. Apparent failure of domestic and international efforts to promote the return of refugees and displaced persons has left the displacement of Croatian Serb minority largely in place. Judging by the actions of the Croatian authorities it can be deduced that only a resolute response from the international community could have opened a way for successful minority return. For the most part such resoluteness has been missing. Main sources pertaining to this study come about the work of international organisations that have had an extensive field presence in all relevant areas of Croatia for years, namely European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Reporting of these organizations is supplemented to the achievements of various other international actors as well as reports and programs of the Croatian authorities. The time period observed reaches from 1995 to late 2003., Endast sammandrag. Inbundna avhandlingar kan sökas i Helka-databasen (http://www.helsinki.fi/helka). Elektroniska kopior av avhandlingar finns antingen öppet på nätet eller endast tillgängliga i bibliotekets avhandlingsterminaler., Only abstract. Paper copies of master’s theses are listed in the Helka database (http://www.helsinki.fi/helka). Electronic copies of master’s theses are either available as open access or only on thesis terminals in the Helsinki University Library., Vain tiivistelmä. Sidottujen gradujen saatavuuden voit tarkistaa Helka-tietokannasta (http://www.helsinki.fi/helka). Digitaaliset gradut voivat olla luettavissa avoimesti verkossa tai rajoitetusti kirjaston opinnäytekioskeilla.
- Published
- 2006