engleski

Possibilities of Multicultural/Intercultural Relations in Croatia

In this article some key issues are indicated concerning the development of multiculturalism and intercultural relations in Croatia, which is influenced by many factors. First of all Croatia is a multiethnic, multicultural and multiconfessional country, so after democratic changes in 1990. the general attitude toward national minorities has been discussed and defined in accordance to the new Conctitution and international solutions based on democratic pluralism, multiculturalism, intercultural relations, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Another important factor is that Croatia is a country with a high rate of emigrants. In the protection of their national and cultural identity Croatia has to develop and implement intercultural principles, while at the same time emigrants have the direct impact in the development of Croatian multicultural reality. An essential component of the international relations in Croatia is its international cooperation in all segments, particulary developing the spirit of openess in the sphere of culture, which is supposed to be a catalyst of multicultural relations. Tourism is also a component for creating and improving intercultural relations with strong impact on multiculturalism in Croatia. The relevant factor of the Croatian multiculturality is the permanent internal migratory sircly, especially during and after the war with large number of refugees and displaced persons, with their regional characteristics, dialects, traditions and life-styles. The Croatian school system should give the most important answers to the intercultural challenges in Croatia and to provide a higher level of sensitisation of the entire society for its multiculturality. For Croatia and its citizens multiculturalism and intercultural relations are of the essential political, legislative and ethical issues in the process of democratization and transition which has no alternative.

multiculturalism, intercultural relations, democratization

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