This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission.
Dozens of Ukrainian refugees, many of whom are children, spent the night sleeping on the street in Hungary after a government-approved legal change revoked their access to state-subsidized accommodation.
The refugees were evicted due to a decree signed by nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban that took effect on August 21. The decree limits state support for refugees who came to Hungary from parts of Ukraine that Budapest says were not affected by Russia’s full-scale invasion and the war it has sparked.
“Since the publication of the government decree, we have continuously warned the parties involved and civil organizations about the problem hoping that there will be some solution. This shouldn’t happen in a state based on the rule of law,” Magdolna Szecsi, an equal-opportunities expert at the Civil College Foundation in Hungary, told RFE/RL on August 22.
Szecsi said many of those forced onto the street are Transcarpathian Roma who do not want to return to Ukraine, where their living conditions were “inhumane.” Transcarpathia, located in the western part of Ukraine, is home to a large ethnic Hungarian community.
Since moving to Hungary, she added, they have begun to integrate by sending their children to school and getting jobs. However, without the subsidies for housing, they cannot afford a place to live.
“I don’t know what kind of solution can be found, but it is certain that these people do not want to leave here,” Szecsi said.
According to the Hungarian government, 13 regions in Ukraine are currently accepted as directly affected by the war. While all parts of Ukraine have been subjected to attacks by Russia, the front line of the war runs mainly through the eastern and southern parts of the country.
Norbert Pal, the government commissioner responsible for those who have fled Ukraine, said the decree was “reasonable and proportionate” and that those who “wanted to get back on their feet in Hungary have been able to do so.”
Last week the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, expressed “concern” over the law saying up to 3,000 Ukrainians could lose access to subsidized accommodation.
“UNHCR consistently calls on EU Member States to interpret and implement the Temporary Protection Directive in a uniform and inclusive manner. The directive also requires Hungary to provide those with asylum status with suitable accommodation and housing,” it said in a statement.
“Accordingly, the UNHCR urges the Hungarian Government to review the current amendment. All changes related to collective accommodation must be gradual and adequate measures must be taken to prevent anyone from becoming homeless or forced to destitution as a result of the changes,” it added.
