Date: October 2, 1991
Author: Mothers for Peace – Bedem Ljubavi (Toronto Chapter)
Addressed to: The Honourable House of Commons of Canada, in Parliament Assembled
View the Original Petition:krcmar book 2_Part11 -14-15.pdf
About This Petition
This historic petition to the House of Commons of Canada, dated October 2, 1991, stands as one of the earliest organized appeals by Mothers for Peace – Bedem Ljubavi (Toronto Chapter) during the Croatian War of Independence.
The petition called upon the Canadian Parliament to formally recognize the independence of the Republic of Croatia, which had held a democratic referendum and declared independence after the expiration of the European Community’s three-month moratorium.
It denounces the violent aggression by “a fully equipped modern Communist Army under the direction of Serbia’s political and military leaders,” describing the systematic attacks on Croatian civilians, culture, and institutions. The tone is legalistic yet urgent — a plea for democracy, sovereignty, and protection from annihilation.
The document concludes with a humble but forceful request:
“That the Government of Canada diplomatically recognize the independence of the Republic of Croatia to facilitate peace-keeping efforts by international institutions, protect the safety of the population, and guarantee the survival and integrity of a freely elected democratic government under communist attack.”
As one of the first mass actions organized by the Croatian-Canadian community, the petition represents the diaspora’s entry into international advocacy, turning compassion into coordinated political effort.
