People are free in a state where the consequences of their actions are predictable and where clean and transparent rules apply not only to them, but also to state authorities. In a state where the people know what the state expects from them, but they also know what they can expect from the state.
The project aims to promote European fundamental values by supporting efforts in Hungary to restore the rule of law, democratic checks and balances, and human rights protections after years of systematic erosion. In the framework … Read more
The Hungarian Helsinki Committee has submitted its opinion on the draft 17th Amendment to the Fundamental Law. The organisation objects to the government allowing just 5 days for public consultation on matters of this magnitude, and to its failure to justify in sufficient detail the considerations underlying the proposed amendments. The Helsinki Committee considers the removal of certain constitutional office-holders to be acceptable for the purpose of restoring the rule of law, but takes issue on several points with the manner and justification of those removals. It also identifies as problematic the fact that the draft contains changes that are not necessary for restoring the rule of law, while at the same time failing to repeal certain provisions that seriously curtail fundamental rights.
In his victory speech following the April parliamentary elections, the future prime minister called on the high public office holders appointed and entrenched over the past sixteen years to resign. As those concerned have not yet resigned, the new government is expected to replace them through legislative measures, within the framework of the rule of law, as promised by the prime minister. How can this be achieved? In our background paper, we have compiled the international standards that are applicable in similar situations and that the Hungarian government must also adhere to.
The Article 7 procedure concerning Hungary, which has been ongoing since 2018, focuses on serious breaches of the EU’s fundamental values, covering several rule of law and human rights issues not addressed by other EU procedures. The new government of Hungary has made several welcome commitments to address the systemic problems that have developed over the past decade and a half in the areas covered by the procedure, but addressing these properly is a longer-term process.
The prosecution has dropped all charges against the organisers of Budapest and Pécs Pride marches, ending a legal battle that began after the government’s 2025 crackdown on LGBTQI-related public demonstrations. The decision marks a significant setback for attempts to restrict Pride events and confirms that the exercise of fundamental rights cannot be criminalised, while underscoring the need for broader legal reforms to bring Hungarian law back into line with European human rights standards.
The Hungarian Helsinki Committee has updated its Cemented website to document how long Fidesz-appointed officeholders can remain in their posts.
Hungary entered a new political era following the parliamentary elections in April 2026. After 16 years of democratic backsliding, the new government has committed to restoring the rule of law and rebuilding democratic institutions. While … Read more
The 2026 Citizen Election Report is a joint initiative of leading Hungarian civil society organisations active in election monitoring: 20k – Free Vote, the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, K-Monitor, Mérték Media Monitor, and Political Capital. It aims to provide an authentic Hungarian perspective on the 2026 parliamentary elections, drawing on analyses by experts with decades of experience, as well as firsthand accounts of hundreds of ballot counters, election observers, and voters.
Non-execution of domestic court judgments by state authorities in freedom of information cases is a serious rule of law problem in Hungary, which also violates the European Convention on Human Rights. In a joint submission to the Council of Europe, Hungarian civil society organisations highlight the systemic causes of non-compliance with such judgments and propose recommendations to ensure effective access to public interest data.
Hungary has voted for change. Now comes the hard work of restoring the rule of law. We, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, look forward to playing our part.
Nearly ten years after the European Court of Human Rights’ landmark judgment in the Baka v. Hungary case, Hungary still has not implemented key safeguards for judicial independence and judges’ freedom of expression. In a new submission to the Council of Europe, we highlight ongoing deficiencies, retaliation against outspoken judges, and concerns about the latest reform plans.
Ahead of the April 12 elections, our latest briefing note is for everyone monitoring or closely following the Hungarian elections. We focus on selected aspects of the electoral environment that could be particularly relevant on … Read more
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process which involves the review of the human rights record of all 192 UN Member States once every four-and-half year. It was created by the UN General … Read more
Background materials for election observation missions and delegations
The 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections are taking place in a highly polarised political environment, marked by entrenched systemic distortions in electoral competition. Recent developments confirm that the primary risks to electoral integrity stem not from … Read more
Beginning on 5 March 2026, investigative reporting produced by journalists with a proven track record of uncovering confidential information and subsequent institutional discussions raised questions about possible Russian interference in Hungary’s parliamentary elections scheduled for … Read more
Recent developments in Hungary once again highlight how the “state of danger” is a tool to concentrate powers in the hands of the executive. Our one-pager explains the deficient framework and how it is abused in practice.
This morning, the Pécs District Prosecutor’s Office informed Géza Buzás-Hábel, the organizer of last Fall’s Pécs Pride, that charges had been brought against him for organizing Pécs Pride. The prosecutor’s office has turned to the Pécs District Court for violation of the freedom of association and assembly, which could impose up to one year of imprisonment.
For the seventh year in a row, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee is contributing to the European Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report in coordination with other Hungarian human rights and anti-corruption CSOs in the framework of the stakeholder consultation launched by the European Commission.
In a joint submission to the Council of Europe, HCLU and HHC highlight the Hungarian government’s continued failure to reform the national minority voting system in spite of a European Court of Human Rights judgment, leaving most minorities without a real chance of parliamentary representation before the 2026 elections.