Hungary

Key Laws and Policies Combating Antisemitism and Antigypsyism in Hungary

Hate Crime Protocols (2019)

The Hungarian National Police Headquarters and the Office of the General Prosecutor implement hate crime protocols designed to guide police officers, investigators and prosecutors when confronted with cases motivated by discrimination. The current protocols encourage relevant party to assess indicators —such as the location, timing, severity of violence, or presence of far right groups—to help identify discriminatory motives.

The protocols are supported by an interview guide, encouraging sensitive and compliant questioning about vulnerability and group affiliation. Complementing this, the Prosecutor General’s Office distributes a newsletter regarding best implementation of the policy.

Hate Crime Special Police Network (2012)

The Hungarian Hate Crime Special Network, established within the police in 2012, supports police to identify and respond to hate crimes, including antisemitism and antigypsyism. Now guided by the 2019 investigation protocol, staff receive training to use bias indicators, and each police station appoints a mentor to assist with hate crime detection. Regular meetings between the police and the Working Group Against Hate Crimes help refine practice, though challenges remain.

The Erzsébetváros Cultural Strategy (2021)

The Strategy is a long‑term plan developed by the Municipality of Budapest’s 7th District, which centres on strengthening an inclusive local identity. It focuses on culture, traditional crafts and young designers, and emerging artists. The strategy champions the district’s historic Jewish heritage and significant Roma population, aiming to counter antisemitism and antigypsyism.

It specifically supports cultural institutions, promoting understanding, and fostering coexistence through initiatives such as the Csányi Jewish History Museum, Spinoza Theatre, and Roma cultural partnerships, ultimately creating a more liveable and culturally engaged district for residents, visitors and tourists.

Civil Society Best Practices in Countering Antisemitism and Antigypsyism

In Hungary, there are many civil society organisations which promote education against discrimination, offering training courses, resources, visual labs, living memorials, theatre workshops and school visits to improve public awareness of the issue. Civil society networks of national NGOs, such as the Working Group Against Hate Crime have been created to promote inclusive activities in a coordinated way.

Another best practice observed in Hungary includes the formation of social events between law enforcement and communities, such as the Roma Police Cafe Initiative, to provide informal but institutionalised means of conversation about concerns and improvements.

Events are also scheduled to improve inter-community relationships and visibility of minorities communities. The Aranypánt Award is an award ceremony which celebrates the Roma ‘heroes’ and their achievements for their community and beyond.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Policies and Initiatives

Across the three policies, only the Hungarian Hate Crime Special Network includes an actual evaluation, which considers indicators such as perceived ease of communication and cooperation, number of training participants and number of trainings offered as well as the challenges faced by relevant parties. Information regarding the evaluation of other Hungarian policies are not available at this time.

Evaluating the Success of Policies and Programmes

The Hungarian Hate Crime Special Network reports improved cooperation between police and civil society, easier informal communication, and occasional training participation, alongside challenges such as high staff turnover, lack of compensation, inconsistent expertise, and nontransparent operations. There are no results available for other Hungarian policies.