Interview: Oliver Canic, Croatian Association for Equal Parenting president

27/10/2011

Croatia's equal parenting association advocates the rights of the children of divorced or separated parents.

By Natasa Radic for Southeast European Times in Zagreb -- 27/10/11

Oliver Canic initiated and founded Croatia's first Equal Parenting Association. [Petar Kos/SETimes]

Two years ago, Oliver Canic founded the Association for Equal Parenting in Croatia. The group volunteers are mostly fathers trying to take a more active role in their child's upbringing after a divorce or separation.

The association is engaged in answering questions in the post-divorce and parenting equality issues, mostly from fathers, and some mothers. Canic talked to SETimes correspondent Natasa Radic about the need for equal parenting and its improvements in Croatia.

SETimes: What were the main reasons for initiating this project?

Oliver Canic: Every day I meet people who say they are being prevented from participating in their children's lives. The system in Croatia has been supporting a model where mothers usually gain full support of the system to push fathers away from children's lives after a divorce or break up between parents.

Fathers sometimes accept such status quo, but not frequently. We do not support either side. We think equal involvement of both parents in the lives of children after a breakup is necessary, where the children are granted their rights.

SETimes: What are the main problems fathers encounter if they want to take active part in their child's life?

Canic: Most fathers must deal with hostile social workers. Fathers are made to feel as second class citizens, while humiliated and offended, which is not in the interest of any child.

Fathers receive the same treatment at court. Even when the court issues a decision, the mother, if she wants to, can fully disrespect it. She can prevent contacts between a father and his child for years.

The childcare system [in Croatia] does not see the flaws of unequal parenting.

SETimes: How can more equal parenting be realised in Croatia, and what legislation needs changes?

Canic: The UN Convention on Children's Rights is not respected and practiced. A child's right is to have a family and both parents.

The existing law claims its parental equality basis, but not in practice. The custodial parent has all the rights while the non-custodial has none. Usually, he cannot visit his son or daughter in day care if the other parent does not allow it.

All this is illegal -- the family law should be amended, allowing joint physical custody from the start. It would allow both parents to take part in the child's life.

In 2010, in 90% of cases, mothers received custody. Children spend 18% of time with the father. Inequality of parent access sends children a wrong message for life.

SETimes: What reactions do you receive?

Canic: We receive different reactions. Parents are happy that the association exists. We get a lot of emails, letters, and phone calls; most are frightened and ask for advice or our help.

Croatian media gives us much support and coverage. We consult a number of experts but they ask us not to reveal their names publicly, they are also scared.

SETimes: How do the children react to your efforts?

Honestly, we are not sure. We try not to burden the children with these issues, but hope that, due to our efforts, they will live in a better society with better equal parenting and children's rights.