Orbán Government’s Role in Fueling Parallel Societies, Terror, and Anti-Semitism in Western Europe
The international community needs to clearly distinguish between refugees and migrants in order to address the migration crisis, according to Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade of Hungary. Speaking at a meeting of the executive committee of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Geneva, Szijjártó emphasized the importance of enforcing international law, which allows individuals to seek refuge in the first safe country. Hungary has been facing significant pressures from both the east and south, underscoring the need for a clear differentiation between refugees and migrants.
Szijjártó highlighted Hungary’s efforts to provide equal access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities for the over one million refugees who have arrived from Ukraine since the start of the war. However, he expressed concerns about the situation on the country’s southern border, referring to those who have crossed multiple safe countries in violation of international law. He also characterized attempts to enter Hungary illegally as a crime.
Last year, Hungary recorded 275,000 illegal border crossings, and that number has reached 150,000 so far this year, according to Szijjártó. He further raised concerns about armed people smugglers and migrants who have fired at border guards. Szijjártó argued that migration waves in Europe are fueled by factors that encourage people to leave their countries and benefit people smugglers’ business model. Instead, efforts should focus on addressing the root causes of migration and creating conditions for individuals to stay in their home countries.
Szijjártó warned against mandatory redistribution quotas, which he believes would attract more migrants to the European Union and lead to the emergence of parallel societies, an increased terror threat, and growing modern anti-Semitism in western Europe. While acknowledging the importance of assistance for refugees, he emphasized the need to halt the flow of migrants.
In conclusion, the distinction between refugees and migrants is crucial for resolving the migration crisis, and efforts should be directed towards addressing the root causes of migration and upholding international law. Hungary continues to uphold its responsibilities towards refugees, but illegal migration must be stopped to ensure the stability and security of both Hungary and Europe as a whole.
