Croatian diaspora in Peru urges for embassy opening

For an estimated 230,000 Croats in Peru, including emigrants and their descendants across generations, the opening of an embassy represents a key need for equal access to consular services and stronger ties with the homeland.

By Ricardo Zimić

The Croatian diaspora in Peru, numbering over 230,000 people according to recent statements by Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić-Radman, is calling for the opening of an official Croatian embassy in Lima.

This long-awaited request highlights the urgent need for a diplomatic mission in Peru, where many Croatian citizens face significant challenges when trying to access consular services.

For years, the Croatian community in Peru has been calling for the establishment of a diplomatic mission in Lima. As a country with a long history of emigration, Croatia is no stranger to the challenges of maintaining ties with its global diaspora.

However, the current absence of a diplomatic mission in Peru means that Croatian citizens living in the country often must travel to the Croatian Embassy in Chile, which is expensive, time-consuming, and places them at a disadvantage on matters related to consular services and the right to vote.

“I want Croatia to be a community of solidarity for all citizens who may be different, but are equal. I want a land of equals,” stated Croatian President Zoran Milanović on the official website of the Presidency, a sentiment that deeply resonates with the Croatian diaspora in Peru.

This statement strongly resonates with the Croatian community in Peru, which feels that their voices have been silenced for years due to a lack of access to basic services such as consular missions, voting, and support related to citizenship.

While grateful for the Croatian government’s efforts to maintain diplomatic relations with countries around the world, the community believes the time has come for a change in priorities.

Opening an embassy in Lima would not only strengthen ties between Croatia and Peru but would also allow for better representation of Croatian citizens in the region, particularly in neighboring countries like Ecuador, where many members of the diaspora reside.

The opening of a diplomatic mission in Lima would bring concrete benefits to both Croatia and its diaspora in the Americas. It would allow Croatian citizens in Peru to access consular services without the burden of expensive travel and long waits.

Moreover, it would help enhance Croatia’s global status, confirming its commitment to people abroad. As Croatia continues to position itself as a key player on the world stage, strengthening ties with the diaspora will only bolster the country’s international presence.

The Croatian community in Peru eagerly awaits the opening of the embassy, which would provide much-needed solutions to the logistical and emotional challenges they have faced for decades.

As the community looks to the future, they hope that Croatian officials, including President Milanović, will prioritize this long-awaited initiative, ensuring that Croatian citizens in Peru receive the same recognition and support as those living in Croatia or other parts of the world.

Lima, Peru

This issue is not just about opening an embassy – it’s about ensuring that Croatia’s diaspora remains an integral part of the country’s future. The community’s call is a reminder that every Croatian citizen, no matter their place of residence, deserves equal treatment and access to the resources and services that enable them to fully participate in the democratic life of their homeland.