Directly elected minority councils and representatives are tasked with consulting tasks for the local or regional authorities in which they are advocating for minority rights and interests, integration into public life and participation in the management of local affairs.[5] At the 2023 Croatian national minorities councils and representatives electionsSerbs of Croatia fulfilled legal requirements to elect 10 members minority council of the Municipality of Hrvatska Dubica.[6]
Recent history
During the Croatian War of Independence, Hrvatska Dubica was located in the area contested by Serb rebels. Most of the civilians fled the area during the attacks of the Serbian forces that started in September 1991. These forces were controlled by Milan Martić, and consisted of units of Yugoslav People's Army, Territorial Defence, and the so-called Militia of SAO Krajina. Hrvatska Dubica fell on 17 September 1991.[7] Around 7 October 1991, Serb forces took control of the entire wider area of Hrvatska Kostajnica. Most Croats fled the area or were killed by Serb forces during a subsequent campaign of ethnic cleansing, which included the infamous Baćin massacre.[7]
