At the 8th session of the Forum on Minority Rights held on 24 November in Geneva, Deputy State Secretary for International Cooperation Ádám Zoltán Kovács said that when making use of the criminal justice system, special attention must be paid to the enforcement of the principles of equality before the law and non-discrimination, especially if someone is disriminated against on the basis of their nationality, religion, linguistic identity or because of belonging to a certain minority.

In his speech, Mr. Kovács emphasised that the Government of Hungary stands up for the protection of minorities, both in its national and its foreign policy. He also assured his audience that Hungary’s criminal justice system is in line with the requirements of international law.

The Deputy State Secretary pointed out that Hungary’s Fundamental Law declares the respect for basic rights, and consequently persons belonging to minorities also have the right to independent and impartial judiciary, to protection and they are also entitled to the presumption of innocence. In terms of the Act on Equal Treatment all persons shall be respected regardless of their race, ethnicity, language or religion.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)