A new refugee camp has been opened in Hungary at the beginning of this month in Körmend, and the government is planning to open another one in Szentgotthárd. Both are close to the Austrian border. This move follows the mid-March announcement in the Hungarian Parliament by Fidesz politician Lájos Kosa that Hungary will close all refugee camps and detention centers in the country, and will instead rely on these two new camps. In the last days, more and more people are being transported to these two camps which are declared temporary camps and are located close to the Austrian border. Both are designed to host approximately 300 people each. The facilities, especially in terms of heating, that these camps will provide can be described as nowhere close to the already bad quality in the other camps. They are designed not to shelter refugees for a prolonged time. The tent-structure of the camp points towards an intention of the government that has long become visible - to make sure no refugees try to stay in Hungary.
Hungary seems to pursue a threefold strategy. First, the much reported erection of fences to its neighboring countries and massive border controls are supposed to create an impression that it’s vital for the country’s security to seal Hungary off and prevent refugees from entering Hungarian territory. Second, it deals with the refugees that have managed to enter Hungarian territory by changing its asylum laws frequently and worsening conditions for refugees in the country, consequently inciting refugees to move on and not stay in Hungary. Third, it seems to create the conditions for fast transit of refugees out of Hungary and into Austria. The plan to hastily construct tent-camps on the border to Austria falls within the last two of categories. It is an integral part of the strategy of the Hungarian government to rid the country of what it seems to perceive as a mortal threat to its values, and what some would perceive as human beings asking for protection in an EU-country. The consequences of such a “Great Wall Operation” strategy are not only political but have very serious negative effects on the conditions that refugees can expect to face when entering and staying in Hungary.
Hungary seems to pursue a threefold strategy. First, the much reported erection of fences to its neighboring countries and massive border controls are supposed to create an impression that it’s vital for the country’s security to seal Hungary off and prevent refugees from entering Hungarian territory. Second, it deals with the refugees that have managed to enter Hungarian territory by changing its asylum laws frequently and worsening conditions for refugees in the country, consequently inciting refugees to move on and not stay in Hungary. Third, it seems to create the conditions for fast transit of refugees out of Hungary and into Austria. The plan to hastily construct tent-camps on the border to Austria falls within the last two of categories. It is an integral part of the strategy of the Hungarian government to rid the country of what it seems to perceive as a mortal threat to its values, and what some would perceive as human beings asking for protection in an EU-country. The consequences of such a “Great Wall Operation” strategy are not only political but have very serious negative effects on the conditions that refugees can expect to face when entering and staying in Hungary.
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