Spark and Persistence
Defending the flame of threatened civil society in Russia, Poland and Hungary
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Hungary continues to starve detainees in the transit zones
Hungary started to deprive of food some third-country nationals detained in the transit zones started in August 2018. After 5 such cases successfully challenged by the HHC with obtaining interim measures from the European Court … Read more
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SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY WITHOUT SPENDING A FORINT – YOU CAN EASILY DO IT BEFORE 20 MAY!
How? Did you know that if you live and pay taxes in Hungary you can offer 1% of your annual income tax to a public benefit organisation? This offers crucial support to civil society and … Read more
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Vote! Can You vote in the 2019 Elections to the EP in Hungary?
Vote! If you are an EU citizen and live in Hungary, you can choose to vote for Hungarian candidates. The 21 Members of the European Parliament representing Hungary vote on laws about healthcare, environmental matters, … Read more
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Coercive interrogation in a timber theft case
Zsolt Csonka was taken to Sellye police station for questioning as witness in relation to timber theft in February 2013. According to the police record, he waived his right to counsel at the beginning of … Read more
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The rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Hungary and in Europe – trends, concerns, ways ahead
The Hungarian Helsinki Committee and Amnesty International Hungary organised an international conference titled “The rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Hungary and in Europe – trends, concerns, ways ahead” on 25 … Read more
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Hungary’s laws on administrative courts comply with only 30% of Venice Commission recommendations
On Monday, the Hungarian Parliament finalised the laws on the country’s new administrative courts. In its current form, even after amendments, the laws do not comply with international standards and do not follow the recommendations … Read more
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The proposed amendment on administrative courts still does not meet Venice Commission recommendations
Contrary to Government claims, the proposed amendment to the laws on administrative courts will not address all concerns. Pro-government MPs submitted a Bill on 12 March 2019 to amend the laws on administrative courts in … Read more
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European Court of Human Rights orders Hungarian government to give food to detained migrants in eighth emergency case
On 15 March, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) again had to issue an emergency decision and order the Hungarian government to give food to migrants in detention in the transit zone at the … Read more
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Fidesz to modify law on administrative courts
On Tuesday, Fidesz MPs proposed changes to the laws on administrative courts. These courts, starting from next year, will decide on important cases where the citizen is against the state. The new courts were heavily … Read more
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Venice Commission to publish its opinion on the Hungarian government’s new administrative courts next week
The Venice Commission will be reviewing the Hungarian Government’s new Law on administrative courts 15-16th March and is expected to publish its opinion in the following days. The government is also preparing for this, by … Read more
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The Constitutional Court has failed to protect human right defenders
The Constitutional Court (CC) held today that the Criminal Code amendment by the “Stop Soros” package is constitutional. Although the CC concluded that it would be unacceptable if those who selflessly assist asylum seekers were … Read more
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Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with representatives of civil society organizations
At the invitation of the U.S. State Department, Márta Pardavi, co-chair of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Stefánia Kapronczay managing director of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, and Sándor Léderer, director of K-Monitor met with Secretary … Read more
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Hungary Moving Beyond Red Lines
On 12 September 2018, the European Parliament voted to trigger proceedings against Hungary under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union on account of the systemic threat to the core values of the EU. … Read more
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Looking for a full-time Project and fundraising manager
LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME PROJECT AND FUNDRAISING MANAGER The Hungarian Helsinki Committee (HHC) is looking for a full-time Project and fundraising manager, a key role in a dynamic and leading Hungarian human rights NGO. Application … Read more
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Call for Applications – Fair Trials is seeking a consultant
Call for Applications for a Consultant to Research Trial Waiver Systems in Hungary Fair Trials, in support of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, is seeking a consultant to conduct research into the use of trial waiver … Read more
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The Immigration and Asylum Office continues to ignore court decisions and interim measures
The Hungarian Immigration and Asylum Office (IAO) ignored the instructions of domestic courts regarding the placement of applicants in facilities other than the transit zones on several occasions. The IAO also continues its practice of … Read more
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Blurring the Boundaries: New Laws on Administrative Courts Undermine Judicial Independence
Blurring the Boundaries: New Laws on Administrative Courts Undermine Judicial Independence If you are interested in our detailed analysis of the proposed draft Bill, click HERE. *** Judicial independence is now in jeopardy in Hungary. … Read more
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HHC’s statements and recommendations to the OSCE HDIM 2018
The Hungarian Helsinki Committee gave oral and written statements on the situation in Hungary at the 2018 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). On 12 September … Read more
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Un-faking the government’s claims on administrative courts
The Hungarian Government proposes to establish a new administrative court system. There are no professional reasons behind setting up a new administrative court system and the government has also failed to provide any professional arguments. … Read more