We helped them to find dialogue with the Hungarian state and OIN, discuss their problems with important NGOs like UNHCR and Menedek, helped and supported them with organizing protests in Budapest – including at the Hungarian Parliament, the Interior Ministry, the EU Ház. And we appealed for support from the Hungarian public and activist community.
In the end, all this was not enough. We believe this is Hungary’s loss. These are good people who have survived terrible situations resulting in them coming to Hungary. And while they received different forms of refugee status, this was not enough for them to settled down and make a life here.
They need job opportunities, real medical, social and educational support and housing solutions that do not include homeless shelters. The ‘solution’ of homeless shelters which was proposed and supported by the Hungarian state (OIN) and other NGOs was the insult they could not accept.
Sadly they have left Hungary and have put their hopes to other countries in the EU.
While the OIN may be relieved these ‘problem’ Refugees are gone, the real problem of overcrowding at the Bicske Camp (and other open camps in Hungary) is still not solved. Just like sending these refugees to the overcrowded Budapest homeless shelters was not a solution, either. We have reports from Bicske that the camp is already too crowded with approximately 500 persons – when in ‘normal’ times the camp hold half that number.
So, the number will drop from 500 to a still overcrowded 400. This is still a shameful way to treat people who have been recognized by the Hungarian state of deserving a welcome to Hungary.
And, again, sadly this may not be the last we hear of these refugees. It is possible that they will be caught and rejected by the other EU countries they attempt to settle in. Deportation back to Hungary is a clear possibility for them, despite how poorly they have been treated here. Hungary is no longer a safe country for refugees – the Hungarian state is clearly not capable of doing the bare minimum for them or for protecting their human rights. Migráns Szolidaritás will continue its work in supporting these refugees and other migrants who come to Hungary seeking a better life.