National minority representatives report an overall respectful attitude prevailing between the majority and most minority groups in Hungary, according to an opinion, published today by the Council of Europe’s Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (see also the Comments of the Government of Hungary).
But problems persist, especially with regard to Roma communities. The new opinion includes reports of physical attacks against Roma in recent years. It is based on information contained in a State Report, submitted by Hungarian authorities in March 2015 and information from governmental and non-governmental contacts during an Advisory Committee visit to Budapest and Pécs in December 2015.
Furthermore, Roma people suffer systematic discrimination and inequality in all fields of life including housing, employment, education and access to health. According to the opinion, segregation of Roma school children has become more widespread in recent years. (more...)