Forum says the diaspora made key contributions to Croatia's independence

A forum titled "The Role of the Croatian Diaspora in the Homeland War" was held on Wednesday in Vinkovci, highlighting the "outstanding" contribution of Croatian emigrants to the defense and creation of an independent Croatia, the Croatian Heritage Foundation said on Thursday.

Zvonko Milas, the State Secretary of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, said the forum aimed to raise awareness of the diaspora's role, which, he said, is underrepresented in public and academic discourse. He suggested that the forum, covering contributions from emigrants in Canada, the United States, Germany, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and elsewhere, should become a regular event. Milas emphasized the diaspora's contributions in 1991, including humanitarian aid, lobbying, and direct support in the fight for freedom and independence.

Silvio Jergović, head of the Vukovar branch of the Croatian Heritage Foundation and forum organizer, described the diaspora as a "key pillar of Croatia's defense and international visibility", noting that some joined military units while others provided support through aid and donations. He also highlighted the work of the Croatian Information Centre, established in 1991 to inform foreign audiences and the diaspora about events in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, positively influencing international media coverage of the war.

Anto Beljo, a forum speaker, stressed that Croats and the diaspora had long prepared for the creation of an independent Croatian state, and he called for future forums to involve younger generations.

Source: HRT