Hungary evicts thousands of refugees, including ethnic Hungarians, amid National Day celebrations

As of 20 August, the Hungarian government is terminating aid for refugees housed across various accommodations, a change affecting thousands of Transcarpathian refugees, including many Hungarian Roma families. These refugees, who fled Ukraine at the start of the war, are now being forced out of their shelters across the country due to a government decree issued over the summer. Ironically, their dual citizenship might be the very obstacle to receiving further aid, which previously supported them through shelter and stipends.

Dozens of children evicted from temporary shelters

Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán

At an emergency shelter in Ercsi, 110 people—half of them children—are being evicted from their temporary homes, Telex writes in its reports. One Roma man explained that returning to Ukraine was not an option, as men would be conscripted and sent to the war. Without viable alternatives, these families are left in a state of helplessness, with some contemplating heading to Budapest’s railway stations to sleep.

In June, the government announced two key changes:

• Aid is now restricted to refugees from areas directly affected by military operations in Ukraine, effectively excluding those from regions like Transcarpathia.
• From 21 August, all aid will be channelled exclusively through the Maltese Charity Service, cutting off other aid organisations.

Finding accommodation virtually impossible for refugees

The Transcarpathian refugees were given little time to respond. Many were unaware of deadlines or had their appeals rejected. With no funds to return home and housing discrimination rampant, finding alternative accommodation has become nearly impossible for these displaced families.

While the government justifies these cuts as a cost-saving measure, advocacy groups like the Hungarian Helsinki Committee warn of the severe consequences. They argue that

such sudden removal of support is inhumane, especially as Hungary presents itself as a protector of family values and an ally to ethnic Hungarians abroad.

For the government, they are Hungarian beyond the border, Roma in Hungary

The fate of those left behind remains uncertain. While the Maltese Charity Service will continue to support some refugees, those who have been excluded, many of whom are marginalised Hungarian Roma, are left to fend for themselves. The government’s actions appear to contradict its rhetoric of supporting ethnic Hungarians and families, casting doubt on its humanitarian commitments as thousands are pushed toward homelessness on the eve of Hungary’s National Day celebrations.

Read also:

• Hungarian government plans to evict Transcarpathian refugees from safe shelters
• Minister Szijjártó to OECD Secretary-General: We only ask Ukraine to respect nationalities, including Hungarians