Today, Hungary has delivered a national statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), taking place at the 46th session of the Human Rights Council. This year’s theme of the discussion was on combatting anti-Muslim hatred. We have expressed that hatred towards any religious community be it Christian, Jewish, Muslim or else, goes against our common aim of promoting human rights, peace and living together, and that it is essential to promote mutual respect and knowledge to combat this appalling phenomenon. We have reiterated that Hungary continues its full commitment toward the protection of freedom of religion or belief of all persons and communities, and we are ready to actively promote the fulfilment of this fundamental human right. The protection of FoRB is one of the cornerstones of Hungary’s foreign policy, exemplified by our work in aiding persecuted and beleaguered religious communities around the globe. The Hungary Helps Program supports the victims of humanitarian crises, natural and man-made catastrophes with special but not exclusive attention on the pressing humanitarian needs that arise from the violation of religious groups’ rights. Since its establishment in 2017, we have provided 60 million EUR in humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance to minority religious communities affected by armed conflict, hunger, health emergencies and other severe humanitarian crises.
