Press Release
Published on May 15, 2024
WASHINGTON – In anticipation of high-stakes municipal and European Parliament elections in Hungary on June 9, Human Rights First released a new report, “Dismantling Democracy: Hungary’s Assault on Civil Society,” which details threats facing human rights defenders (HRDs) from the country’s far-right and increasingly authoritarian government.
“My interviews with local HRDs, foreign diplomats, and political analysts in Hungary make it clear that Orbán’s rhetoric and policies have made Hungary a hostile and intimidating environment for civil society, but a safe space for far-right extremists. HRDs are urging the U.S. and European allies to support civil society against Orbán’s ongoing assault on democracy and the rule of law,” said author of the report.
Since Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was first elected in 2010, he and his ruling party Fidesz have rolled back democratic safeguards and pushed the country towards autocracy.
The report details how Orbán’s administration has orchestrated many challenges for HRDs, including new harmful anti-NGO legislation, sophisticated government propaganda that targets civil society, and an emboldened network of far-right extremist groups who threaten minority communities.
In the report, Human Rights First offers recommendations from HRDs on how the U.S. Government can support civil society and protect democracy in Hungary, including:
Human Rights First has worked with HRDs in Hungary for many years to document human rights violations and make recommendations on how the U.S. government should respond to the Hungarian government’s assault on democratic institutions and the rule of law.
To speak with Maya Fernandez-Powell, author of the report, or other experts at Human Rights First, please contact press@humanrightsfirst.org.
