UK Statement on Hungary at the 25th Session of the Universal Periodic Review, Geneva, 2 - 13 May 2016
The UK delivers its statement on the Universal Periodic Review of Hungary, 4 May 2016.
The UPR takes place at the Palais des Nations, Geneva
Thank you Mr President,
The UK welcomes Hungary’s accession to the Open Government Partnership. We note that a number of amendments have been made to laws and regulations governing freedom of information and access to public data since 2015. We encourage Hungary to ensure that the introduction and implementation of any new measures contribute to greater transparency and better public access to information.
We encourage continued dialogue between the Government and the Hungarian Jewish community, with consultation on issues relating to Holocaust remembrance and tackling anti-Semitism.
We recommend:
-
Engage in consultation with pro-transparency organisations and other relevant stakeholders prior to developing or implementing new legislation on Freedom of Information.
-
Give full consideration to the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders.
We welcome Hungary’s open dialogue with international bodies on human rights and urge Hungary to ensure that conditions exist to allow civil society in Hungary to thrive.
Thank you, Mr President.