UNHCR Hungary (2012): Hungary as a country providing asylum (Magyarország mint menedéket nyújtó ország)
Country
Hungary
Title
Year
Type of publication
Geographical coverage
National
Area/location of interest
Type of Institution
UN body
Institution
Main Thematic Focus
Racism & xenophobia Public perceptions & attitudes
Target Population
General population
Key findings
The report finds Hungarians xenophobic and not welcoming to refugees and asylum seekers. While the number of reported hate crimes is not significant, refugees and asylum seekers have to face xenophobia, racism and intolerance in their everyday activities. This attitude is also experienced in schools. Bus drivers, supermarket employees and workers in the service sector also show a negative attitude towards refugees and asylum seekers. National measures and practices against xenophobia are premature and not sufficient to change the attitude of the population. The media often links refugees and asylum seekers to criminals, and labels them as parasites that induces fear in Hungary.
Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)
The report uses results of surveys and statistics that NGOs and governmental agencies carried out and collected in 2010-2011. A UNHCR delegation made an unannounced visit to Hungary in 2011 to conduct a random check in the reception facilities and interview people (refugees, asylum seekers and staff members) there.
Sample details and representativeness
The report does not include the number of interviewed people in the reception facilities. In April 2011, the UN rapporteur for freedom of speech visited the country, and in May 2011, the UN rapporteur for xenophobia, racism and intolerance conducted a visit in Hungary. The report builds on the findings of these visits.