World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, which Croatia participated in, was held in Durban in 2001. This conference resulted in the adoption of the Declaration and Action Plan for its implementation, by which the participating countries committed themselves to adopting a special national document that will determine the goals and work out the measures for eliminating discrimination, and especially in regard to suppressing and sanctioning discrimination in particular areas.

In fulfilling this commitment, the Republic of Croatia opted for adopting particular strategies, plans and policies for specific areas. These documents determine the measures for the protection of especially vulnerable social groups and ensuring their equal participation in society. This National Plan to Combat Discrimination 2008 – 2013 determines the existing situation, sets future goals and plans measures for their realization in order to upgrade the current system of protection against discrimination.