Who are the invisible children? "We're talking about people who are 30 years old, and no one has ever talked about them"

Hrvatska still does not legally recognize children born as a result of wartime sexual violence, nearly three decades after the Homeland War ended, according to a discussion with human rights expert Iris Knežević. The topic was explored in an interview with journalist Hanan Nanić on Novi dan, during which Knežević explained that these individuals, often referred to as “invisible children”, are adults who were born due to sexual abuse during conflict. She emphasized that this group has been largely overlooked both institutionally and socially, despite their legal right to recognition and support. The lack of legal acknowledgment stems from multiple factors, including persistent social stigma surrounding wartime sexual violence and the absence of institutional frameworks designed to address the specific challenges faced by this group. Knežević noted that while international law increasingly recognizes the rights of such individuals, regional contexts remain inconsistent. Bosnia and Herzegovina, for example, has formally recognized war-born children as a distinct category of civilian victims, whereas Croatia has yet to take similar steps. This discrepancy highlights a broader gap in how different states approach the legacy of wartime atrocities. A key issue is the failure of Croatian institutions to provide adequate support systems tailored to the needs of these individuals. According to Knežević, the country’s legal framework, particularly the Law on the Protection of Survivors, grants certain rights to survivors of wartime trauma but fails to extend those protections to children born as a result of such violence. These individuals, now adults, face unique challenges, including limited access to psychosocial services, housing assistance, and other forms of support that could help them navigate life after years of neglect. The publication of a guide titled Nevidljiva djeca, translating to “Invisible Children”, was motivated by the growing awareness of the need for systemic change. The guide was co-authored by a network of activists, legal experts, psychologists, and journalists who have worked extensively on issues related to wartime sexual violence. Knežević stressed that the work was not solely hers but a collective effort aimed at advocating for legal recognition and institutional support for this marginalized group. The guide underscores the long-term consequences of failing to address the aftermath of wartime sexual violence. As Knežević pointed out, such violence was not just a crime but a tool of ethnic cleansing, used deliberately to destabilize communities and erase identities. Yet, despite its documented impact, there remains a lack of sustained public discourse or policy initiatives focused on the lived realities of those affected. This silence perpetuates a cycle of invisibility, making it harder for these individuals to seek justice or support. International standards continue to evolve, placing greater emphasis on the protection and rehabilitation of victims of wartime sexual violence. However, Croatia's delayed response suggests that national priorities have not fully aligned with these global expectations. Knežević acknowledged that while progress has been made in some areas, such as the adoption of survivor-focused legislation, the absence of comprehensive policies addressing the needs of war-born children remains a critical oversight. This gap reflects not only a legal deficiency but also a societal reluctance to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past.