The European Commission is investigating a new Hungarian law that withdraws state-funded shelter from Ukrainian refugees from areas that Hungary claims are not directly impacted by the war. The law, which went into effect on August 21, has resulted in the eviction of 120 Ukrainian citizens, mainly women and children of Roma ethnicity, from a shelter in Kocs.
The Commission is examining whether this law violates EU asylum rules, while Hungary maintains that it is targeting only those refugees who are capable but unwilling to work. The law limits eligibility for accommodation to refugees from regions deemed to be active war zones. Up to 3,000 Ukrainian refugees in Hungary could be affected by this change.
The Hungarian government argues that the decree is in line with similar measures in Poland, Romania, and Czechia. Minister Gergely Gulyás stated that the law was a response to refugees refusing job opportunities despite being capable of work. He accused “Soros organizations” of encouraging refugees to resist leaving the premises in Kocs.
Meanwhile, the United Nations’ High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is monitoring the situation and emphasizing the importance of gradual transitions from refugee shelters to prevent homelessness and destitution. The UNHCR also highlighted the vulnerability of refugees in subsidized accommodation, many of whom are disabled, elderly, pregnant, or single parents.
At the time of writing, the evicted refugees in Kocs were being provided with temporary accommodation through the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta. Human rights groups have expressed concern that similar situations could arise elsewhere in Hungary. The Commission continues to investigate the law to ensure compliance with EU asylum regulations.
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