Countering the Further Dismantling of the Human Rights Protection System in Hungary (2025-2026)

Years of rule of law backsliding in Hungary have weakened the independence of democratic institutions and reduced their ability to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. This led to a situation where vulnerable groups have been facing rights violations without independent institutions being capable or willing to protect them, while an extremely hostile environment has been created for those who criticize these steps.   

This project aims to raise international and domestic awareness of the importance of independent state institutions as the cornerstones of protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and of standing up for these values as citizens; and thereby counter the further erosion of the rule of law and the human rights protection system in Hungary.  

In the framework of the project, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee  

• monitors legislative and other measures aimed at further dismantling the system of checks and balances and the performance of selected state institutions from a human rights and rule of law perspective;   

• aims to counter negative tendencies and seek restoration through reporting, international advocacy, and public communication; and 

• provides legal assistance to “everyday heroes” who stand up for human rights, democracy and the rule of law and face reprisals because of it.  

Project period: 24 September 2025 – 30 April 2026 

Supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Hungary.