UN expert to visit Hungary to assess freedom of religion or belief

GENEVA – The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Nazila Ghanea, will conduct a country visit to Hungary from 7 October to 17 October 2024.

This is the first time the mandate is visiting Hungary since it was created in 1986.

The expert will seek to get an in-depth understanding of freedom of religion or belief in the country, to identify existing and emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of this right and to present recommendations to overcome any such obstacles, in the light of international human rights standards.

Ghanea said she deeply appreciated all engagements with her mandate in advancing this objective.

During her visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with Government officials, civil society organisations, representatives of religious or belief communities, faith-based actors and academics. She is due to visit Budapest and Debrecen.

At the end of her visit on Thursday 17 October 2024, the expert will share her preliminary observations at the Mercure Budapest City Center Hotel at 16:00 local time. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.

Ghanea will present a comprehensive report on her visit to the Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2025.