Authorities need to promote sustainable, non-discriminatory housing solutions for Roma, ODIHR Director Link says during visit to Hungary

BUDAPEST, 1 July 2015 – Greater efforts are needed to promote sustainable and non-discriminatory housing solutions for Roma communities in Hungary, Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said in Budapest today.

Speaking at the end of a two-day visit focusing on the situation of Roma in the country, Director Link stressed the responsibility and role of local Hungarian authorities in formulating and implementing non-discriminatory policies in the area of social housing.

“In the provision of social housing, the authorities must adhere to OSCE commitments prohibiting discrimination, and to international human rights standards on the right to adequate housing,” he said. “We are particularly concerned that, unless they are addressed immediately, discriminatory measures being introduced by local authorities in some parts of the country could set a dangerous precedent and provide a negative example for others.”

In Budapest, Director Link met with Zoltán Balog, Minister of Human Capacities, and other senior government officials. As part of his visit, he also travelled earlier today to the city of Miskolc. After meeting with officials from the Mayor’s Office, with the Chief of Police, and with representatives of the Roma Self-Government and Roma civil society, Director Link also visited Roma settlements in the city.

Home to a community of some 25,000 Roma, the local authorities last year started issuing eviction orders to those living in the “numbered streets” settlement in Miskolc. In 2014, those living in “low-comfort” social housing with indefinite contracts were offered compensation of 6,700 euros for terminating their contracts and leaving their homes. Of particular concern was a stipulation that those receiving compensation could only use the funds to purchase property outside the city. This condition was subsequently struck down by the Supreme Court.

“We welcome the recent judgment by the Hungarian Supreme Court and the report of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights on the measures by the local council regarding housing provided to Roma residents of Miskolc,” the ODIHR Director said. “I call on the Hungarian local and national authorities to immediately address the findings of these institutions, to implement their recommendations, to halt issuing eviction orders to Roma residents of social housing, and to promote adequate, sustainable, non-discriminatory solutions, in close co-operation with Roma representatives and civil society.”

The visit is a follow-up to a 2009 visit to Hungary by an ODIHR team to assess the human rights situation of Roma in the country, with a focus on the security of Roma communities following a string of violent incidents in 2008 and 2009 that resulted in the deaths of several Roma, the injury of numerous others, and the destruction of houses and other property owned by Roma.

For further information, please contact Thomas Rymer, ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48 609 522 266.