UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency
BUDAPEST – As Hungary begins its six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, UNHCR’s Regional Director for Europe, Philippe Leclerc, concluded a two-day visit to Budapest. He exchanged with government officials from the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs and EU Affairs. Leclerc also met with members of civil society organizations and Ukrainian refugee community representatives in Hungary.
The Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union takes place at a critical moment, with some 120 million people worldwide estimated to be forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence and human rights violations. Low- and middle-income countries outside Europe continue to host the majority of the world’s refugees.
During his visit, Leclerc acknowledged the challenges caused by forced displacement and the importance of closer cooperation with countries of origin, first asylum and transit. The EU Presidency offers a unique opportunity to advance these efforts and promote a holistic approach to the management of mixed movements of refugees and migrants.
Europe must continue to offer sanctuary for those seeking asylum, while supporting meaningful solutions for refugees and migrants earlier on in their journey. Through these efforts the EU can enhance options for people before they are forced to make decisions to pursue perilous journeys to reach Europe. In this context, UNHCR counts on Hungary to work in a spirit of partnership to further the EU’s solidarity and support to large refugee-hosting countries.
With the Minister of Interior, Sandor Pinter, Leclerc discussed the recently adopted EU Pact on Asylum and Migration. “I welcome the decision by the Hungarian Presidency to continue the discourse on the implementation of the asylum and migration reforms concluded under the Belgian Presidency.” Ensuring access to asylum as well as fair and efficient asylum procedures are essential in ensuring that Member States uphold their legal obligations under both European and international law. At the same time, returning those who have failed to demonstrate their claim to asylum to their countries of origin remains a key element of a well-functioning national asylum system.
UNHCR appreciates Hungary’s commitment towards ending statelessness as part of its Presidency agenda. UNHCR is ready to support initiatives aimed at enhancing birth registration and encourages Hungary to join the Global Alliance to End Statelessness which will be launched later this year.
The visit also provided the opportunity to thank the people of Hungary, authorities and civil society actors for the support provided to Ukrainian refugees since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, and to discuss the ongoing protection needs of refugees over two years into the war. Leclerc commented “The recent devastating attacks in Kyiv remind us of the continued risks faced by millions of civilians in Ukraine and the importance of continued solidarity.”
In Geneva, Carlotta Wolf, [email protected], +41 79 546 67 07
In Budapest, Erno Simon, [email protected], +36 30 657 03 23
In Brussels, Christine Pirovolakis, [email protected], +44 7931 832164
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