The Ombudsperson (in Croatian Pučki pravobranitelj) is a state institution responsible for safeguarding your human rights in Croatia. The Ombudsperson is independent of the government, parliament and courts.
The Ombudsperson can investigate complaints related to potential human rights violations and determine whether your human rights have been violated. The Ombudsperson can also suggest that the government amend a law if the Ombudsperson has discovered that certain legal provisions have a negative effect on human rights or good governance.
The Ombudsperson can only investigate situations relating to a violation of your human rights by Croatian state institutions, local and regional government units and legal persons with public authority. The only exception is discrimination or unequal treatment, where the Ombudsman can also investigate the actions of private individuals or companies in Croatia. In all other cases, if a person, who is not a state official, or a private company has violated your rights, you must first file a complaint to the institution responsible for investigating such situations (such as the police, or the civil court).