Your Excellencies, Heads of International Organizations, Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Thank you very much for joining us for the celebration of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom fight. On 23 October 1956, the Hungarian people chose freedom, independence and self-determination. In doing so they offered hope to a whole people. As then Senator John F. Kennedy expressed eloquently in his remarks at the first anniversary of this extraordinary act of courage “No other day has shown more clearly the eternal unquenchability of man's desire to be free, whatever the odds against success, whatever the sacrifice required of him. But October 23, 1956 shall also be permanently etched in man's history of man as a day of judgment - and of failure. … To those who sought help and revolution, we offered only hope and resolutions. To those who begged with urgent hearts and eloquent tongues for deeds to match our words, for actions to match our promises, we offered only the cruel disillusionment of "all assistance short of help."”
The Heroes of 1956 fought for their own good and for that of their country. They also fought for everyone who was living under dictatorship, and their courage led to the reunification of Europe. Despite historical injustice and well known international reactions, the 1956 Revolution was a revolution for freedom and democracy, for self-determination and the rule of law. These values lie at our heart and at the core of the European Union. We must never take these values granted, because taking human rights and fundamental freedoms granted put them at enormous risk.
Sadly even today we face countless injustices around the world. Hungary as a member of the Human Rights Council actively participates in the work of the most important human rights body of the UN system, and lives up to its pledges. We have promoted a right based approach in the implementation of SDGs; we have contributed to international initiatives to combat sexual violence in conflicts, particularly against women and girls; we have pursued an active role in promoting minority issues and the right of indigenous peoples; we stood up for freedom of expression and thought, freedom of religion or belief, and the independence of judges and lawyers; we continued our efforts to fight intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders and those who cooperate with the UN – to name a few.
The legacy of the 1956 Revolution and of those who were inspired by its spirit that lead to the peaceful transformation of Hungary in 1989, is democracy. And the consequence of democracy is that for political problems there are always political solutions. Opinions may differ, but in democracy different or dissenting views should be listened and carefully considered. The message of acting together is not just one for today’s Hungary but for Europe and for the international community as a whole. When we act together we can show the world that it is possible to build a better future where no one is left behind.
I cannot agree more with President Kennedy that “Perhaps all of these steps are not immediately feasible; perhaps some that are feasible will not be wholly successful; perhaps some that could be successful involve an element of risk. But risk for risk, cost for cost, I would rather see us formulate such a course of action, however limited it may be, than to sit timidly by when free men and free nations fall.” And this is the message that I believe the Heroes of 1956 would recognize.
Thank you for your attention! Please enjoy the celebration.