Minister Urges Distinction Between Refugees and Illegal Migrants
Hungarian Minister Calls for Clear Distinction Between Refugees and Illegal Migrants
Speaking at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó emphasized the need for the international community to recognize and address the clear difference between refugees and illegal migrants.
Minister Szijjártó highlighted the significant pressure Hungary is facing due to the conflict in Ukraine on its eastern border and the challenge of protecting the European Union’s external border on the Western Balkan migration route. He stressed that it is essential for the international community to acknowledge the double pressure Hungary is currently under.
The minister reiterated that international law clearly states that individuals forced to flee have the right to stay temporarily in the first safe country. However, he emphasized that they do not have the right to pass through numerous safe states until they reach their chosen destination. He made a clear distinction between refugees and illegal migrants, emphasizing that genuine refugees have the right to stay in the first safe country, while illegal migrants attempting to cross borders must be stopped.
Szijjártó highlighted Hungary’s commitment to respecting international law in supporting genuine refugees, citing the provision of adequate help, access to health care, and education to more than a million people who have arrived in the country from Ukraine since the beginning of the war. By contrast, he deplored the nearly 275,000 illegal border crossings last year and almost 200,000 this year, as well as the violent behavior of some migrants and people smugglers who have posed a threat to Hungarian border guards.
The minister emphasized the importance of honesty in addressing the challenges posed by migration and called for a clear distinction between refugees and illegal migrants. He warned that Hungary would not compromise the safety of its citizens and reaffirmed its commitment to preventing illegal migrants from entering the country.
Overall, Minister Szijjártó’s speech emphasized the need for the international community to acknowledge the distinction between refugees and illegal migrants and address the challenges posed by migration with honesty and clarity.
