Parliament Urged to Hold Off: Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner Requests Abstention on NGO Law Vote in Hungary
European Council urges Hungarian legislators to abstain from voting on NGO legislation
Hop on social media — Facebook / Twitter / Whatsapp / Email / Print / Copy Link — you'll find a buzz about a looming law suggested by Hungary's right-wing administration, affecting foreign-funded media and NGOs. In a letter penned to Hungarian MPs, Michael O'Flaherty, the Human Rights Commissioner of the Council of Europe, appeals for them to postpone their vote on the bill, unless amendments are made to align with international human rights norms.
Before diving into the details of the proposed law, let's get familiar with its intended targets: organizations threatening Hungary's independence by swaying public opinion with foreign funds. If enacted, these groups would find themselves on a blacklist. The blacklisted organizations would then need special permission to receive funds from abroad and face exclusion from funding via Hungarian taxpayer donations—a significant financial source for non-profit organizations in Hungary.
The Hungarian opposition accuses the government of trying to silence critics, echoing patterns seen in Russia. The EU Commission, mired in disagreements with Budapest for years, urged Hungary to withdraw the bill, hinting at possible sanctions if they don't.
The law is set for a parliamentary vote in mid-June, with the Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which holds a sizable majority, expected to approve the bill. Over the weekend, thousands of Hungarians took to the streets to voice their opposition to the law.
Among the international human rights laws that the Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner may have in mind are the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Ensuring compliance with these treaties safeguards the freedoms of association, assembly, and non-discrimination for NGOs.
In a nutshell, the core principles at stake are:- Freedom of Association: Protecting the right to form and join NGOs without interference.- Freedom of Assembly: Preserving the right for NGOs to gather and assemble peacefully.- Non-Discrimination: Ensuring NGOs are not discriminated against based on their mission or activities.
Hungary's NGO law faces international scrutiny as these principles are vital for maintaining a vibrant civil society. Keep tabs on the situation as it unfolds in the coming weeks.
Engage in discussions on various platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Email, Print, or Copy Link – about the ongoing issue concerning Hungary's proposed law affecting foreign-funded NGOs, which has sparked international concern. This law, if enacted, may violate fundamental human rights principles such as freedom of association, freedom of assembly, and non-discrimination, as enshrined in international agreements like the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner has urged Hungarian MPs to reconsider the vote on this bill until it aligns with international human rights norms.
