Hungary

Examples OF Policies Combating Antisemitism and Antigypsyism in Hungary

Hate Crime Protocols (2019)

The work of the Hungarian National Police Headquarters in preventing and combating antisemitism and antigypsitism is guided by hate crime protocols. These protocols set out the police’s tasks in cases where the circumstances of an offense suggest a bias as the motive. In these cases, a list of bias indicators, including the location, the time of the crime, the extent of violence, and the presence of far-right organisations, assists with investigations. The Hungarian National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information also endorsed an interview guide, covering data protection issues and guidelines for formulating sensitive questions about vulnerability and group affiliation.

Additionally, the Office of the General Prosecutor issued a circular outlining the application of the list of bias indicators in hate crime cases.

HUNGARIAN Hate Crime Special Network (2012)

A special hate crime network at the National Police was established in 2012 to tackle hate crimes in Hungary. Members of the network are appointed to coordinate hate crime-related investigations at the National Police Headquarter and county police headquarters. Their responsibilities are defined in the 2019 hate crime protocol, which outlines police duties when the circumstances of an offense suggest a bias as the motive. Police chiefs are required to ensure that public order and criminal investigation officers are trained to use bias indicators and recognise the key characteristics of hate crimes. Each police station should also appoint a mentor to support hate crime detection and share the mentor’s name and contact details with station staff.

The Erzsébetváros Cultural CONCEPT (2021)

The Erzsébetváros Cultural Concept is the Municipality of Budapest’s 7th District’s long-term strategy, outlining its vision for the district to be green, solidary, culturally creative, and diverse. The concept prioritizes three key development areas: showcasing Jewish culture, fostering local traditional crafts, and providing support to recent graduates in the arts industry. It directly addresses the district’s historic Jewish heritage and local Roma culture, aiming to counter antisemitism and antigypsitism. It specifically supports key organizations that promote understanding and foster coexistence, such as Csányi5-Jewish History Museum, Spinoza Theater, and Kosztolányi Sziget Cultural Association.

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, workshops and school visits to improve public awareness of the issue. Initiatives, such as the Working Group Against Hate Crime have been created by NGOs to promote coordinated activities in the topic.

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

NGOs also organise events to improve inter-community relationships and visibility of minority communities. An example is the Aranypánt Award, a ceremony which celebrates the everyday Roma heroes’ achievements for their community and beyond.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Policies and Initiatives

The Working Group Against Hate Crimes published the “Shadow report to sixth periodic report of Hungary to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to the United Nations Human Rights Committee”, focusing on the Hungarian authorities’ responses to hate crimes against vulnerable groups. The shadow report included remarks about the state of the Hungarian Hate Crime Special Network, highlighting a good practice that the representatives of the Working Group Against Hate Crimes regularly meet with police officers to discuss disputed hate crime cases and draw conclusions for the future.

Evaluating the Success of Policies and INITIATIVES

Members of the Working Group Against Hate Crimes reported that they could more easily approach the Hungarian Hate Crime Special Network. Occasionally, members of the Special Network participated in training sessions organised by the Working Group.

The Working Group also highlighted several problems related to the operation of the Special Network. Members change frequently, and participation in the Network is an additional task without financial compensation or dedicated working time. Levels of expertise vary across counties, mainly due to a lack of regular, specialised training. Additionally, the Network operates in a non-transparent manner. The contact persons’ details are not public, and their duties are unclear.