UNHCR asks Hungary not to rush asylum amendments

Budapest (MTI) – The UNHCR has asked Hungary not to fast-track amendments to its asylum laws.

The UN refugee agency told MTI it was “deeply concerned” by the proposed amendments to Hungary’s laws on asylum submitted to parliament earlier this week. The UNHCR asked Hungarian authorities to consult with civil organisations and the refugee agency on the proposed amendments before pushing them through.

Montserrat Feixas Vihe, UNHCR regional representative for central Europe, said the amendments, if passed, would be “devastating” for thousands of people seeking asylum in Hungary. She asked the Hungarian government and parliament to ensure that asylum laws remain compatible with international and regional protection standards.

The agency said it is concerned about the speeding up of asylum proceedings, sending back asylum-seekers to unsafe third countries and the extended detention of asylum-seekers, specifically women and children.

The statement touched on the 4-metre high fence the government is planning to build on the border with Serbia, saying that it would make asylum-seekers more vulnerable to human smugglers and traffickers.

On Monday, Interior Minister Sandor Pinter proposed amending several laws relating to migration and asylum to parliament. The main aims of the proposed legislation are to speed up procedures for assessing the claims of asylum-seekers and to turn back economic migrants as quickly as possible.

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters