Thousands of Ukrainian refugees in Hungary are facing eviction from state-funded accommodation due to a recent government decree, raising concerns among human rights activists that it may violate EU law. The decree, issued in June, restricts free housing to refugees only from certain conflict-affected regions in Ukraine, leaving thousands from areas like Transcarpathia ineligible for state support. As a result, many refugees are being forcibly removed from their temporary homes, with reports of 120 refugees, including children, being evicted from a village near Budapest.
The Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a human rights group, estimates that around 4,000 refugees in state-funded accommodation are no longer eligible under the new rules. They have filed a complaint with the European Commission, arguing that Hungary is breaching EU law by failing to provide housing for refugees with temporary protection status. The government decree has particularly impacted Roma refugees, who make up a significant portion of those affected.
The EU Council activated the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainian refugees in February, granting them the right to reside in EU member states and access services like healthcare and education. The European Commission has proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2026, with most costs covered by the EU budget. The UNHCR representative to the EU has welcomed this move, providing certainty for over 4.2 million refugees from Ukraine across the EU.
The situation in Hungary highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in accessing adequate housing and support. With millions of Ukrainians displaced by the conflict, it is crucial for EU member states to uphold their obligations under international law and provide assistance to those fleeing war-torn regions. Further discussions and actions are needed to address the needs of refugees and ensure their rights are protected.
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