Civilians perished during the Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) | Ubijeni civili tijekom Domovinskog rata (1991.~1995.)

The Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) was a conflict that resulted in the loss of many innocent lives. Civilians bore the brunt of the war’s atrocities, experiencing unimaginable suffering and tragedy. From cities and towns to rural areas, no corner of Croatia was spared from the devastating impact of the war.

During the war, civilians faced indiscriminate shelling, sniper attacks, and forced displacement. Urban centers such as Vukovar, Dubrovnik and Zadar were subjected to intense bombardments, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. These cities became tragic symbols of the war’s devastation and the human cost it imposed. The civilian population, regardless of age or gender, suffered greatly. Men, women and children faced the horrors of displacement, with many forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in safer areas. Families were torn apart, communities were uprooted, and lives were shattered as people sought to escape the violence and protect their loved ones.

Tragically, civilians also became targets of ethnic cleansing campaigns, leading to widespread atrocities and mass killings. Innocent individuals were subjected to persecution, torture and inhumane treatment solely based on their ethnicity. These acts of violence aimed to instill fear, erase cultural identities and forcibly change the demographics of certain regions.

The war took a heavy toll on the civilian population, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. The sheer number of civilian casualties highlights the magnitude of the tragedy that unfolded during this period. Entire families were wiped out, leaving behind grieving communities and a nation scarred by the immense human suffering.

Remembering and honoring the civilians who perished during the Croatian War of Independence is crucial for preserving their memory and recognizing the immense sacrifices made by ordinary people caught in the crossfire. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for peace, reconciliation and the protection of civilian lives during times of conflict.