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Speech

53rd Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK Statement on Hungary

Statement by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, at Hungary's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders
Published:
5 November 2026
Location:
Geneva
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Eleanor Sanders

Mr Vice President,

Seventy years on from Hungarians’ courageous struggle for democracy in 1956, the UK welcomes the important steps already taken by the new government to strengthen democratic checks and balances, and judicial independence; reform the public service media; introduce anti-corruption safeguards and improve consultation with civil society.

The UK welcomes recent measures to strengthen child protection legislation, including removal of discriminatory provisions against LGBT+ individuals. The UK recognises the scale of the reforms being undertaken by the new government and offers its strong support. 
  The UK recommends that Hungary: 

  1. Addresses remaining discriminatory provisions in legislation relating to sexual orientation and gender identity in line with Hungary’s international human rights obligations.  

  2. Sets out a pathway towards ratification of the Istanbul Convention, adopts a cross-government strategy on Violence Against Women & Girls, and a Women, Peace & Security National Action Plan. 

  3. Considers further strengthening protections for vulnerable and marginalised groups, especially Roma, in line with international standards.

Thank you.