• Human Rights in Hungary

    A discriminatory new constitution and a raft of new laws appear designed to neutralize judicial, media, and political checks on the authority of the ruling Fidesz party. Media freedom is under threat, exemplified by efforts by the media regulator to permanently strip a leading independent radio station of its broadcast licence. Hungary sends migrants and some asylum seekers who reach its borders via Ukraine back to that country despite evidence of ill-treatment there. Homelessness has been criminalized with repeat offences punishable with fines or imprisonment. Roma face harassment and threats from vigilante groups who march through Romani settlements. 

  • Hungary: Abide by Ruling on Homelessness
    Dec 7, 2012
    The Hungarian government should carry out, without delay, the November 12, 2012 Constitutional Court decision that the law criminalizing homelessness is unconstitutional.
  • Hungary: Failings on Media Warrant EU Action
    Jul 2, 2012
    The Hungarian government’s failure to address concerns about media freedom warrants action by the European Union (EU) under the EU treaty, Human Rights Watch said in a letter sent yesterday to Commissioner Neelie Kroes, who is in charge of media issues.
More news »

Reports

More >>

Hungary

  • Hungary: Abide by Ruling on Homelessness
    Dec 7, 2012
    The Hungarian government should carry out, without delay, the November 12, 2012 Constitutional Court decision that the law criminalizing homelessness is unconstitutional.
  • ‘Traditional Values’ code for human rights abuse?
    Oct 17, 2012
    The U.N. Human Rights Council recently passed a resolution on “traditional values of humankind” as a vehicle for “promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms.” It sounds innocuous, but its implications are ominous. Indeed, it is an immediate threat to the rights of many vulnerable groups – including women and lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people. And it flies in the face of the founding principles of universality and indivisibility enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  • The Clubbing of Klubradio
    Aug 21, 2012
    A clampdown on a leading independent radio station shows that Hungary has no intention of heeding EU calls to improve media freedom.
  • Hungary: Failings on Media Warrant EU Action
    Jul 2, 2012
    The Hungarian government’s failure to address concerns about media freedom warrants action by the European Union (EU) under the EU treaty, Human Rights Watch said in a letter sent yesterday to Commissioner Neelie Kroes, who is in charge of media issues.
  • Hungary: Letter to Commissioner Kroes regarding Media Freedom in Hungary
    Jul 2, 2012
    We are writing to ask you to take further steps to ensure media freedom in Hungary, including by pursuing action under Article 7 of the EU Treaty in response to the Hungarian government’s failure to implement recommendations by the Council of Europe pursuant to your request.
  • Hungary at Road's End
    Jun 6, 2012
    The Hungarian government is busy whipping up nationalistic sentiments among the population, having commemorated June 4 as a national day of mourning of the territorial and population losses from the Trianon Peace treaty of 1920. But Hungarians - and Europeans - should keep a close watch on immediate concerns, such as the country's constantly deteriorating human rights record.
  • Hungary: New Laws Curb Media Freedom
    May 25, 2012
    The Hungarian government has ignored recommendations by the Council of Europe to revise controversial laws that limit media freedom.
  • Beyond Breivik, Hate in Europe is on the Rise
    Apr 25, 2012
    With the eyes of the world on the Oslo district court, there are stark contrasts on display. The twisted and hate-filled logic of Anders Breivik contrasts with the calm, dignified and above all fair criminal process against him.
  • Hungary: Revoke Law Criminalizing Homeless
    Apr 16, 2012
    The Hungarian government should revoke a new national law that makes it a crime to be homeless.
  • Hungary: Revoke Denial of Pride March Route
    Apr 11, 2012

    Hungarian police should immediately revoke their decision to refuse planners of the 2012 Pride March permission to pursue their chosen route. The march should be allowed to go ahead as planned on July 7. The police also have an obligation to facilitate the peaceful passage of the Pride March, protect the safety of the participants, and ensure that anti-gay protesters are not allowed to disrupt or interfere with the march.

more documents on this topic »