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The Security Council held an Open Debate on “Sexual Violence in Conflict as a Tactic of War and Terrorism” on 15 May 2017. In her statement, H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations called for stronger victim protection systems, accountability, and cooperation with local communities to fight stigmatization, and presented the contributions of the Hungarian government in this regard.

Organised by the Permanent Mission of Uruguay, the open debate aimed at raising awareness on the issue of sexual violence in conflict as a tactic of war and terrorism, based on the findings and recommendations of the annual Report of the Secretary-General on this issue.

The Council, chaired by H.E. José Luis Cancela, Vice Foreign Minister of Uruguay, was debriefed by Deputy Secretary-General H.E. Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Under-Secretary-General/ Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict/Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Mr. Adama Dieng, and Founder and Executive Director of Women’s Refugee Route on behalf of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Ms. Mina Jaf.

H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay expressed serious concern about the ideological and strategic considerations of violent extremist and terrorist groups, and reminded of the long-term dramatic impact of sexual violence on survivors as well as communities. She underlined the critical contribution that accountability plays in breaking the conflict cycle, and presented the Hungarian Government’s support for UN Women and Justice Rapid Response in assigning gender advisers to assist in investigations.

Furthermore, Ms. Bogyay reminded of the complexity of policies to tackle sexual violence – from humanitarian to legal aid, from socio-economic reintegration and empowerment to participation in peacebuilding efforts, with special regard to fighting stigmatization hand-in-hand with local communities. 

The Council was addressed by more than seventy Member States and Observers, giving an encouraging signal on the importance of addressing sexual violence in conflict internationally.

To read the full statement of the Ambassador, please click here. 

The Action event of 17 May 2017 on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), innovation and connectivity was convened by the President of the General Assembly as part of the global push to mobilize decision makers from governments and private sector leaders to accelerate efforts for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. H.E. Mr Péter Sziijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade has contributed to the interactive dialogue among stakeholders at the panel discussing the opportunities and eventual risks of the digital economy, pointing out Hungary’s ambition to take the lead in regional innovation development.  

The SDG Action event took place back-to-back with the UN’s annual Science, Technology and Innovation Forum under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), discussing how these areas can be harnessed for achieving sustainable development. The Forum and the Action event facilitated a lively exchange of views among Member States, private sector, the scientific community, United Nations entities, civil society and other stakeholders.

On 17 May, the ECOSOC Chamber got transferred into an innovative lab, with a non-conventional stage setup, triggering out-of-the box thinking by participants on how to combine the response to the global challenges of poverty eradication and climate change linked to the business rational of inclusive growth and sustainable development by making investments both profitable and ecologically viable.

The event’s first panel tackled how the exponential innovation trends can catalyze economic and social development, and how the current linear institutions, policies and mindsets should be adapted to the fast pace of change. The second panel addressed the potential of connectivity in problem-solving, while the third one demonstrated the latest findings in technology and telecommunication.

H.E. Mr. Péter Sziijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade intervened at the panel on opportunities and risks of the digital economy. He stressed that for all countries around the globe, but especially for Central-Europe, it is of strategic importance to join the global trends and prepare for the accelerating digital transformation. Hungary has proven itself in the frontline of Europe in terms of tax regulations and infrastructure developments. Nevertheless, our country’s ambition is to lead also in regional innovation and become the forerunner of digital competitiveness inside the EU. Key companies from the high-tech industry look at Hungary as an innovation and development hub, especially in the automotive sector. In terms of competences, the Government supports targeted vocational training and higher education programs that provide students with an up-to-date knowledge allowing them to dynamically adapt to the quickly changing digital and technological environment.

To read more about the event, please click here. 

On 25 May 2017 the UN Security Council held an open debate on the protection of civilians and healthcare in armed conflict. In her statement, H. E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN called on the international community to step up all its efforts in enhancing the respect of international humanitarian law.

On the one year anniversary of the adoption of the landmark Resolution 2286 on the protection of medical care in armed conflict, the Security Council – under the Presidency of Uruguay – held a ministerial level open debate to take stock of the implementation Resolution 2286 and to discuss the broader issues of the Protection of Civilians (PoC).

In her statement, Ambassador Katalin Bogyay underlined that while we regularly call the attention of the international community upon the protection of civilians and the atrocities committed against innocent people and medical personnel, the daily facts on the ground are revealing hardly any changes for the better. In cases where international efforts fail and atrocity crimes – including attacks against healthcare institutions and medical personnel – are committed, accountability is crucial. Hungary is therefore committed to support institutions dedicated to ensuring accountability.

The Permanent Representative reconfirmed Hungary’s commitment and voluntary financial contribution to the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, as well as the dedication to work towards the prevention of atrocity crimes also as a member of the Human Rights Council for the term 2017-2019.

Ambassador Bogyay also invited Member States to join the ACT Code of Conduct, and by doing so to pledge to support timely and decisive action by the Security Council aimed at preventing or ending the commission of atrocity crimes.

In closing, the Ambassador reminded that the best way to protect civilians is through the prevention of armed conflicts; therefore, we must all support actively the Secretary-General in his endeavors to “put peace first”. Being committed to this vision, the Government of Hungary has decided once again to make voluntary contributions in support of the work of the Department of Political Affairs in preventive diplomacy and mediation.

To read the full statement of the Ambassador, please click here.

Your Excellency, Mr. President,
Honorable members of the Security Council, Dear Colleagues,

Hungary aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union.

Mr. President,

I wish to thank Uruguay for organizing today’s open debate on the protection of civilians and healthcare in armed conflict. We share the view that the issue of healthcare in armed conflicts should be addressed in the wider context of protection of civilians, peacekeeping operations and humanitarian access and strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law.

We also firmly believe that the protection of civilians should be integral to the whole of UN peace operations having such a mandate. It is important to keep continuous consultations and enhance communication between the Security Council, the Secretariat and troop and police contributing countries about possible gaps in mission mandates.

Hungary attaches great importance to the observance of international humanitarian law and the protection of the victims of armed conflicts. As thousands of civilians are not only suffering from the impacts of armed conflicts, but are also becoming subjects of military strategies of different parties to conflicts, the international community must step up all its efforts to enhance the respect of international humanitarian law.

Security Council Resolution 2286 sent a strong signal that any attack against medical personnel and facilities in conflict situations is absolutely unacceptable. But while we regularly call the attention of the international community upon the protection of civilians and the atrocities committed against innocent people and medical personnel, we are all aware of the daily facts revealing hardly any changes for the better.

War, violence and insecurity are the biggest obstacles of development and humanitarian aid. Humanitarian access to affected populations continues to be a challenge; therefore, protection of medical care in conflict and humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable populations must continue to be of highest concern.

According to WHO reports, an alarmingly high number of attacks are committed against health care institutions and medical personnel in conflict zones. It is with sobering sadness that several shocking examples still could not bring about changes in moral standards. The ongoing war in Syria and the atrocities like the recent attacks on several hospitals underline the importance of ensuring better protection to those who provide health care services to victims of armed conflicts.

In cases where international efforts fail and atrocity crimes – including attacks against healthcare institutions and medical personnel – are committed, accountability is crucial. Hungary is committed to support institutions dedicated to ensuring accountability and establishing an environment of respect for international humanitarian law, such as international courts and tribunals and other mechanisms.

In this spirit, Hungary decided to offer a voluntary contribution of 50.000 Euros for the establishment of International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.

As a member of the Human Rights Council for the term 2017-2019, one of our priorities will be to work towards the prevention of atrocity crimes and to promote already existing tools of the international community that can contribute to effective and timely response.

We would also like to reaffirm the relevance of the Responsibility to Protect for today’s discussions. In order to ensure more timely and decisive response by the Security Council, Hungary actively participated in the creation of the “Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes”, elaborated by the ACT Group and already signed by 112 Member States.

I would therefore like to invite those Member States who have not yet done it to join this initiative, which represents a unique chance to not only improve the Security Council’s ability to prevent and respond to atrocities, but also an opportunity to preserve the Council’s legitimacy as the guardian of international peace and security. Let me also express my gratitude in this regard for the efforts of Uruguay in continuously promoting the Code of Conduct in the deliberations of the Security Council.

Mr. President,

Hungary believes that the best way to protect civilians is through the prevention of armed conflicts. The UN should use all its tools available for early warning and for political mediation in order to prevent the outbreak and reverse the escalation of hostilities. In this regard, we wholeheartedly support the initiative of the Secretary-General for a surge in diplomacy for peace and to placing prevention in the center of our joint efforts. Since Hungary fully shares this vision, the Government has made voluntary contributions in 2016 and 2017 to support the work of the Department of Political Affairs in preventive diplomacy and mediation.

I thank you. 

The UN Economic and Social Committee’s second Financing for Development Forum of 22-26 May 2017 has been assessing the progress on commitments of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda adopted in July 2015 and drew-up a state of play on steps to be taken for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. Hungary delivered a national statement regarding the outcome document of the Forum on 23 May, highlighting its position related to migration policies.  

The outcome document of the Financing for Development Forum has been endorsed by the UN Member States on the second day of the event by consensus. The preparation of the document had been co-facilitated by the Permanent Representatives of South-Africa and Belgium to the UN, who highlighted the careful balance of the negotiated text.

Mr Zoltán Varga, Deputy Permanent Representative of Hungary to UN delivered a national statement emphasizing that a reinforced Global Partnership for sustainable development should be both the underlying principle and the scheme for implementing the Agenda 2030, addressing all three dimensions of sustainability in an integrated manner. Such a partnership should ensure ownership for development involving buy-in from all stakeholders of the Private Sector, international organizations, development banks, CSOs, academia, local authorities and parliaments from developed and developing countries as well. With regard to support to partner countries, Hungary offered hundreds of government scholarships for students coming from developing partners to our Higher Education Institutions and is eager to continue that practice also in the future.

Regarding the forum’s outcome document, Hungary took note of the overall balance of the negotiated text, however flagged some substantial remarks, namely to the content of paragraph 12. Hungary recognizes the complexity of and interconnections between migration and development, nevertheless prefers to emphasize rather the role that well managed migration can play in inclusive growth and sustainable development, and not just the contribution of migrants in general. Migration is a complex, global and long-lasting phenomenon requiring carefully-designed, balanced, evidence-based and sustainable policy response that shall respect national decisions by Member States. Irregular migration can raise major challenges. Therefore, Hungary reserves its prerogative to safe, orderly, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well managed migration policies.

To read the full statement, please click here.

On 22-and 23 May 2017 Member States representatives and stakeholders gathered in New York for the Second Informal Thematic Session in preparation for the intergovernmental negotiations of the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration.

The second informal thematic session addressed the drivers of migration, including adverse effects of climate change, natural disasters and human-made crises, through protection and assistance, sustainable development, poverty eradication, conflict prevention and resolution.

In the intervention of Hungary, the multi-faceted and complex nature of drivers of migration, requiring joint efforts by all stakeholders, as well as the need for close cooperation between countries of transit, origin and destination were underlined. As irregular migration flows are presenting major challenges, Hungary is convinced that securing control over borders and stemming the continuous flow of irregular migration must become priorities. An adequate focus on tackling the root causes of illegal migration within the framework of the future Global Compact is also essential. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides comprehensive approaches to the challenges of migration, in other words the various forms of unstustainability, be it economic, social or environmental, , through ending poverty, promoting shared economic prosperity, social development and environmental protection, so that migration will not be a necessity, but people will have a chance strive in their own countries.

Mandated by the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, adopted in September 2016, the global compact for migration will be the first, intergovernmentally negotiated document to cover all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner, also through improving the governance of migration as well as by addressing the challenges associated with today’s migration. After a series of thematic and regional consultations in 2017, UN Member States will enter into intergovernmental negotiations culminating in an intergovernmental conference of the General Assembly on international migration in 2018 with a view to adopting the global compact.

To read the full statement of the delegation of Hungary, please click here.

Your Excellences, Distinguished Colleagues, Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

In recent years, underwater cultural heritage has attracted increasing attention from both scientific community and general public, being an invaluable source of information on humanity’s history, and a driver for social and economic development.

Hungary ratified the Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in 2014. It was my great pleasure to personally submit the instrument of ratification as Permanent Delegate of Hungary to the UNESCO in Paris at that time. With that, Hungary joined the efforts on raising awareness about the importance of providing the same type of protection to underwater cultural heritage as that already accorded to land-based heritage. Our goal is to increase cooperation in the protection of underwater cultural heritage from pillaging and commercial exploitation also in landlocked states.

Hungary has got a wide potential on river and lake underwater cultural heritage and underwater archaeology, as well as important cultural links to the shipwrecks resulting from the naval endeavors of the Austro-Hungarian fleet. It is of symbolic value to my country that the international team of divers who explored the shipwreck of Saint Stephen’s battleship that shrank in 1918 was composed of representatives from the diverse nations of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, working all together on this historic cultural heritage, ninety years later in 2008.

We welcome that today’s side event co-organized by UNESCO and Honduras raised awareness about the importance of underwater cultural heritage by highlighting the role of ocean history as well as underwater cultural assets and natural resources for achieving ocean sustainability and fully implementing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources.

As co-moderator of the Working-Level Dialogue under the auspices of the President of the General Assembly on improving the integration and coordination of the work of the United Nations on the water-related SDGs, I am pleased that UNESCO participated at both dialogue meetings. UNESCO enriched the discussion by disseminating their successful work on the World Water Development Report, as well as their Hydrological Program. After the second successful dialogue that we just held with Tajikistan in the Trusteeship Council on 30 May, we are seeking guidance by the President of the of the General Assembly on possible next steps. It is clear that there is willingness by Member States to continue the dialogue in some form.

Cooperation on oceans and other natural resources management, such as surface and groundwater is of particular important in preventing conflicts. Water connects us all. This has been the motto of the Budapest Water Summit of 2013 and 2016, reflecting Hungary’s engagement in linking policy makers to all stakeholders, who are active in the international water arena, including on strengthening the science policy interface.

I have been promoting mutual understanding by looking at convergences when bridging positons and working towards a closer science-policy interface.

Hungary has been in the forefront of raising the profile of water in the scientific community through organizing and co-hosting the World Science Forum with UNESCO from the very beginning, dating back to 1999, when the first World Science Conference had been initiated by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and UNESCO with the support of the Government of Hungary. At this year’s forum taking place on 7-11th November, in Amman, dedicated sessions will deal with the energy and water nexus. I will lead the panel on Women in Science, where we are going to tackle the water related aspects as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I encourage you all to reinforce our joint efforts in linking science and policy, so as to bring together people from the political, researcher and implementation levels for closer cooperation among our countries and nations to do more on prevention, and thereby contributing to peace and achieving stability.

I thank you for your kind attention! 

Your Excellences, Distinguished Colleagues, Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Hungary welcomes this discussion about connecting freshwater with salt water. Water connects us all. This has been the motto of the Budapest Water Summit of 2013 and 2016, reflecting Hungary’s engagement in linking policy makers to all stakeholders, who are active in the international water arena, including on strengthening the science policy interface.

Water is our most critical natural asset, as much as an enabler and inter-connector of development. It is widely present in history, science, arts and in all aspects of everyday life. Water is a game changer and can make a real difference for a sustainable future!

As co-moderator of the Working-Level Dialogue under the auspices of the President of the General Assembly on improving the integration and coordination of the work of the United Nations on the water-related SDGs, I am pleased that UN-Water participated at both dialogue meetings. UN-Water enriched the discussion especially on ways in which the current coordination mechanism could be strengthened.

We had a high-level first water dialogue on 22 March, on World Water Day with H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the General Assembly and H.E. Dr. Han Seung-soo, UN Special Envoy on Disaster Risk Reduction and Water. The co-founders of Water.org Matt Damon and Gary White sent a video message.

Our first panel considered the implementation of the water related SDGs by addressing challenges and seizing opportunities through strengthening cooperation and partnerships. The second panel addressed the role of the UN system in improving the integration and coordination to support the Member States and other relevant stakeholders in the implementation and follow-up of the water related SDGs.

After the second successful dialogue that we just held with Tajikistan in the Trusteeship Council on 30 May, we are seeking guidance by the President of the General Assembly on possible next steps. It is clear that there is willingness by Member States to continue the dialogue in some form. I am promoting mutual understanding by looking at convergences when bridging positons and working towards solutions.

Regarding the science-policy interface, Hungary has been in the forefront of raising the profile of water in the scientific community through organizing and co-hosting the World Science Forum with UNESCO from the very beginning. The Hungarian Academy of Sciences and UNESCO had initiated the first World Science Conference in 1999 with the support of the Government of Hungary. At this year’s forum taking place on 7-11th November, in Amman, dedicated sessions will deal with the energy and water nexus. I will lead the panel on Women in Science, where we are going to tackle the water related aspects as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Cooperation on oceans and other natural resources management, such as surface and groundwater is of particular important in preventing conflicts.

I encourage all to reinforce joint efforts at the UN in linking science and policy, in order to bring together people from the political, researcher and implementation levels for closer cooperation among our countries and nations to do more in preventive diplomacy, and thereby contributing to peace and development achieving stability.

I thank you for your kind attention!

Hungary’s intervention at the plenary meeting of the UN Conference on Oceans has been conveyed on 7 June by H.E. Mr Ákos Berzétei, Under-Secretary of State from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.

The United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development took place from 5 to 9 June 2017, under the leadership of the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr Peter Thomson. The main objective of the conference co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Fiji and the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden has been to gather commitment on reducing and preventing marine pollution, sustainably managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, addressing the impacts of ocean acidification, as well as ensuring for sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.

The Hungarian intervention underlined that preserving and sustainably managing ocean resources is a challenge of global nature requiring partnership based on cooperation by all stakeholders. H.E. Under-Secretary of State Mr. Ákos Berzétei assured delegations of Hungary’s commitment to this cooperation as a member of several international organizations and agreements on preserving and protecting the health and the biodiversity of rivers and oceans, for example the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube river, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Standing Committee of the Washington Convention.

Based on the motto of the Budapest Water Summit of 2013 and 2016: Water connects!, Hungary is highly engaged in linking policy and decision makers to all key players, who are active in the international water arena. Hungary believes that complementary to water in general, ‘Oceans connect us all’ too! 

To read the full statement, please click here. 

Excellences,
Distinguished Participants, Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Hungary aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

Allow me to thank the President of the General Assembly H. E. Mr Peter Thomson, as well as the co-presidents of the conference from Fiji and Sweden for the opportunity to share commitments on preserving the health of the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources, as well as creating a platform for action on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.

Hungary is a landlocked country, but has been dedicated to the elaboration and to the implementation of the Agenda 2030 from the very beginning. The core value of the SDGs lies in the interconnectivity of the goals and targets, therefore the ambitious objectives cannot succeed without each other. We are equally committed to the Paris Agreement; having been the first EU Member State to ratify it in order to foster an early entry into force.

We acknowledge that many nations are dependent on the health of the oceans and seas for their survival. The further deterioration of the current status of oceans will affect us all. Preserving and sustainably managing oceans resources is a challenge of global nature requiring partnership based on cooperation by all stakeholders.

Hungary is committed to this cooperation as a member of several international organizations and agreements on preserving and protecting the health and the biodiversity of rivers and oceans, for example the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube river, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Standing Committee of the Washington Convention.

Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Water connects! This has been the motto of the Budapest Water Summit of 2013 and 2016, reflecting Hungary’s engagement in linking policy makers to all key players, who are active in the international water arena, including on strengthening the science policy interface. Paraphrasing that idea, we also believe that ‘Oceans connect us all’!

Hungary, as co-moderator of the dialogue on improving the integration and coordination of the work of the UN on the water-related SDGs encourages closer cooperation among countries and nations at political, researcher and implementation level. Being part of conflict prevention, this shall contribute to achieving sustainable peace and development in the longer run!
Thank you for your attention. 

Excellencies, Dear Co-Chairs,

Dear Colleagues,

As we are coming to the end of this years’ session of the IGN process, allow me to acknowledge all efforts aiming at finding practical solutions, bringing positions closer and achieving progress on the very important question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council. We appreciate the friendly atmosphere in which the negotiations are conducted, we hope that this will allow for a positive and solid outcome this year.

Dear Co-Chairs,

After carefully reviewing the further revised “Food for Thought” paper circulated in the letter of the PGA on 7th June, Hungary welcomes the changes made and agrees with the overall scope and content of the document.

We welcome in particular the introductory and first general parts that make clear reference to the main documents relevant for the IGN on the Security Council reform. We reiterate our belief that these documents need to be considered as important basis to build our future discussions upon.

We also welcome the new elements added to the general commonalities in the first part, such as the reference to the widespread agreement that exists among members states, not only on the need for a timely and warranted enlargement, but also on the fact that the enlargement should enable the Council to reflect the realities of the contemporary world.

We strongly agree with the reference in section I. point 3. stating that certain areas of the working methods of the Council will need to be addressed as a result of the enlargement. In this respect let me reiterate that we see merit in separating the question that will require Charter amendments, from those that we can address in the current IGN format as well as from those elements that the new Council will have to decide on.

In section II. point 5. on the question of the veto, we acknowledge the list of various options discussed during the negotiations. In this context, we would like to flag the growing support of member states for the ACT Group’s Code of Conduct

to prevent or stop atrocity crimes as well as for the French-Mexican proposal on the voluntary restraint of veto power. In our view, the practical implementation of these could lead to a solution on a longer term to this current stumbling block.

On the issue of the rotation scheme of the Council Presidency, I would like to underline that the chairmanship gives a unique chance for non-permanent members to show their commitment and contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council Presidency is also a very powerful tool of ensuring equitable regional representation of not only Council seats but also of issues brought to the Council’s agenda.

Finally, we note with appreciation the general support expressed during this years’ IGN to the request for a second non-permanent seat for the Eastern European Group that fits into all enlargement models in discussion.

To conclude, we would like to echo again the request of many delegations for the need to start text based negotiations on the reform. We consider the revised ‘Food for Thought’ document as a good basis for this long-waited step forward and we acknowledge with appreciation that this desire of the member states is now noted in the document.

Dear Co-Chairs,

Allow me to assure you that Hungary will continue to actively engage in future IGN processes and reiterates its full support for finding compromise solutions. After 25 years of consideration we need political will for this. In this regard, we are interested in hearing the Co-Chairs’ proposal on the way forward.

I thank you for your attention. 

The 10th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is taking place on 13-15 June 2017 in New York. The conference, marking the 11th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention in 2006, is focusing on “The Second Decade of the CRPD: Inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in the implementation of the Convention”. In her statement, H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN, highlighted steps taken by the Government to fulfill the aims set out in the Convention.

The opening segment of the Conference was addressed by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary General; Ms. Theresia Degener, Chair of the CRPD Committee; Ms. Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Mr. Collin Allen, Chair of International Disability Alliance, and representatives of civil society. The three days of the conference has seen a great number of high-level representatives, experts and members of organisations working on disability-related issues. Discussions aimed to explore achievements and challenges in including a disability-focused perspective in all policies of the UN system, and strengthening Member State action in this regard.

Ambassador Bogyay, in her statement, praised Hungarian experts László Lovászy, Member of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Ádám Kósa, Member of the European Parliament, both internationally recognized professionals living with disabilities, in embodying active participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making.

Read the full national statement, please click here.

Mr. Chairperson, Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me congratulate Bulgaria for its lead on the Convention, and H.E. Ambassador Georgi Panayotov, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria for chairing this very important conference – it is a great team that have come together on this occasion.

We are proud of Hungarian expert Dr László Lovászy, who is fulfilling his second mandate as Member of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and also of Mr Ádám Kósa, Member of the European Parliament. These excellent and successful experts, both living with disabilities, are great examples of what we discuss this year here in New York: “inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in the implementation of the Convention”. It is also an honor for me to meet all the incredible participants of the Conference.

It is an honor to share with you all the steps taken by the Hungarian Government in this regard.

The promotion, protection and monitoring of the implementation of the CRPD in Hungary is coordinated by the National Disability Council, in line with Article 33(1) of the CRPD. The Council is an advisory body consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Human Capacities and of organizations of persons with disabilities.

The high-level Inter-ministerial Committee on Disability, established in 2015, is the framework for governmental coordination on the promotion, protection and monitoring of the implementation of the Convention, as set out in Article 33(2). The Committee’s working groups focus on specific topics, such as accessibility of public transportation, accessible housing, right to vote, and so on.

Moreover, the inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in the monitoring process, in accordance with Article 33(3) of the Convention, are guaranteed by the following instruments.

The Thematic Working Group Responsible for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is one of the eleven working groups of the Human Rights Working Group established in 2012 to monitor the human rights situation in Hungary and the implementation of related legislation and recommendations made by UN bodies, in consultation with civil society organisations, representative associations and other professional and constitutional bodies.

Finally, the National Expert Group on Disability is responsible for preparing strategic proposals concerning issues related to disability.

Besides institutional arrangements, Hungary has several best practices to share on the advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities.

For examples, last year, a ministerial Decree was passed to ensure equal access to financial services in credit institutions for persons with disabilities. The new rules require credit institutions to shape a strategy to facilitate access, with compulsory elements set out in the Decree.

Another crucial development is the transition, by 2036, from institutional care to community-based services, as set out in a recently adopted Government Decree. Main measures include the prohibition of new admissions to institutional places as well as employment-supporting services and initiatives, among others. The oversight of the deinstitutionalization process is guaranteed by the National Body for the Coordination of Deinstitutionalization, consisting of delegates of

the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the National Disability Council, the Ministry of Human Capacities, the Office of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, which is the national Human Rights Institution, and the National Disability Expert Group. A new call for tenders, with a budget of 21.8 billion Forints, was launched, supporting the creation of community-based service forms of high quality, responding to residents' needs.

Excellencies,

Hungary is committed to the implementation of the Convention, and will use this Conference of the State parties to discuss challenges, explore opportunities and share best practices in this regard. 

Your Excellencies, Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Hungary aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.

Let me first commend the organizers for convening today’s event on this very timely topic. We also thank Under-Secretary-General Ms. Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Under-Secretary-General Ms. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, for their outstanding work.

Hungary condemns the widespread and growing use of sexual violence in armed conflict as a tactic of war and terrorism. Sexual violence is often used as a multi-faceted strategy to terrorize populations, displace communities, and to humiliate women, children and men.

Rape is a powerful weapon; perpetrators purposefully use it to demolish the cornerstone of societies. Sexual violence not only destroys the victim’s health and human dignity, in most cases for the rest of their lives, but also breaks down families and shatters society.

To fight the perpetrators’ multi-faceted strategy, we must act together, and take a holistic approach to the problem. There must be effective cooperation among states, international organizations, civil society, and religious and business groups.

Hungary attaches especially great importance to the protection of women and children. We support international initiatives aimed at combating sexual violence in conflicts, and have contributed to UN projects for the elimination of all forms of such crimes.

Setting up effective accountability mechanisms are vital in the prevention of conflict related sexual violence. This is why Hungary provided a voluntary contribution for a joint UN Women and Justice Rapid Response project aimed at securing accountability for sexual and gender-based crimes.

These crimes must be prosecuted and punished under national and international law. Regrettably, up to now, impunity for perpetrators continues to be a major challenge. We need to strengthen the capacity of national institutions critical to ensuring accountability for past crimes, as well as prevention and deterrence for the future. We support the efforts of the UN Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence, which assists national authorities in their criminal investigation and prosecutions, the collection and preservation of evidence, and criminal law reform.

Ending the culture of impunity would contribute mightily to conflict prevention and sustaining peace on national and international levels. Ensuring accountability for serious crimes not only helps us to render justice for the victims of atrocities, but also to bring about reconciliation, promote human rights and build resilient societies. We welcome the establishment of an international, impartial and independent mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of the most serious crimes committed in Syria.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sexual violence remains chronically underreported as a result of fear and stigmatization. Stigmas are not only insufferable for women, but also dangerous to society, strengthening and conserving the preconception that the victims of violence, and in cases the child born thereof, are to be blamed and shamed, and create an atmosphere where perpetrators are invisible, and seldom held accountable.

We must end silence. As long as rape remains invisible and shameful, recovery is impossible, and the recurrence of such crimes is inevitable. Stigmas can kill, not only by untreated infections and injuries of the victims, but by lethal retaliation such as honor crimes, suicide, and unsafe abortion.

The focus of our attention must be to empower victims. We need to strengthen reporting mechanisms on sexual violence we have to make sure that all and any allegations of sexual violence are investigated and prosecuted. For that, we need to make sure that witnesses are protected and evidence is collected. Finally, we have to help survivors to start their lives over.

Distinguished colleagues,

The effect of sexual violence has a long-term effect on the victims themselves, but also on community life and economic consequences. One of the most critical challenges is the common experience of economic exclusion suffered by victims and survivors. We need to develop integrated, gender-sensitive strategies and program interventions to prevent this from happening in the future.

We need to ensure comprehensive victim-centered cost-free services to victims of all forms of sexual violence and children who born of violence, including physical treatment and physiological care.

Beyond the protection of women against violence, we have to work to empowering women in all educational, economic, financial, judicial and social processes. Women’s economic power and social status must be strengthened by providing access to education and skills development training, and by providing assistance to income- generating and other economic activities.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres so rightly pointed out,

“....sexual violence is a brutal form of physical and physiological warfare rooted in the gender inequality extant not only in zones of conflict but in our everyday lives...”

In addition to combatting sexual violence against women, the general empowerment of women and girls, and the promotion of gender equality, are also cornerstones of the Hungarian agenda. We believe in the importance of increasing women’s meaningful participation at all levels of decision-making.

Eliminating sexual violence in conflict and creating safe environments can only be achieved by addressing gender inequality and discrimination. Vulnerability to becoming a victim of such egregious crimes starts long before conflict strikes. It stems from inequality in society.

We are confident that effective involvement of women into every stage of peace processes is an essential tool to address the phenomenon of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict.

Raising awareness both at the national and global levels is crucial. In this respect, the media, the advocacy groups and civil society in general can also contribute significantly.

Raising awareness, exchanging best practices, and institutionalizing memory may go a long way in preventing future atrocities. Education, research, and data collection on sexual violence may contribute to prevention of future crimes.

Hungary is an active contributor to initiatives combatting sexual violence in conflict. The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is organizing an awareness-raising workshop this summer on Women, Peace and Security for experts of the relevant ministries, army and police, peacekeeping personnel, and interested civil society organizations and academics. Sexual violence in armed conflicts will be one of the topics discussed.

For these reasons, it is of utmost importance that we continue this dialogue on this important topic, and keep fighting. Hungary will continue to play an active role and it is great to see that more and more States are ready to join this important fight.

Thank you for your attention! 

On 23 June 2017, the President of the General Assembly H.E. Mr Peter Thomson organized an informal, interactive multi-stakeholder hearing in preparation for the High-level plenary meeting to review the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons taking place at UN headquarters at the end of September. H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Hungary’s Permanent Representative to the UN delivered her remarks in the first panel of the hearing addressing a human rights-based, survivor-centered approach to trafficking and modern day slavery. 

The hearing provided the opportunity for Member States and stakeholders from civil society, the business community, academia, UN entities and representatives of survivors to exchange views about the desired outcome for the General Assembly’s high-level meeting to review the UN Global Plan of Action at the end of September 2017. The four panels during the day addressed a human rights-based, survivor-centered approach to trafficking in persons; the situation in armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and natural disasters; links to the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development; as well as the effective prosecution of traffickers.

In her intervention, H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Hungary’s Permanent Representative to the UN advocated for gender and age-sensitive, as well as exploitation type-specific responses by compliance with international humanitarian law, bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring greater accountability through international judicial and law enforcement cooperation. Ambassador Bogyay pointed out the importance of the protection of survivors, with a special focus on children, building on gender specificities. In Hungary’s view recent developments and growing forms of trafficking, such as sexual exploitation and modern slavery should be adequately addressed by the upcoming high-level event. The outcome document of the event in should build on the Sustainable Development Goals explicitly addressing human trafficking, including sex trafficking.

Ambassador Bogyay informed participants about the regional consultation workshop for Europe and Central Asia of Alliance 8.7 hosted by the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on June 29-30, jointly organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The workshop will offer stakeholders in the region the chance to identify priority actions to support the achievement of target 7 of Sustainable Development Goal 8 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminate child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers.

To read the full intervention of the Ambassador, please click here.

Your Excellences, Distinguished Colleagues, Dear Ladies and Gentleman,

• Today’s interactive hearing is an important opportunity for Member States and stakeholders to discuss the best possible outcome for the high-level meeting to review the Global Plan of Action at the end of September.

• Human trafficking is a horrific crime and one of the most severe abuses of human rights of our times. Human trafficking, forced labour, sexual exploitation and modern slavery became recurring all over the world, and often by-products of armed conflict. Our reality shows that victims of modern slavery and human trafficking are trapped in situations where their freedom and dignity are lost for years, if not forever.

• Fighting modern day slavery and human trafficking is of particular importance to the work of Hungary at the UN, closely linked to preventive diplomacy that my country and myself are actively engaged in.

• To step up the fight against this crime of the 21st century, I advocate for gender and age- sensitive, as well as exploitation type-specific responses by compliance with international humanitarian law, bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring greater accountability through international judicial and law enforcement cooperation.

• Our truly human rights based, survivor-centered approach to trafficking in persons should be based on the protection of survivors, with a special focus on children, building on gender specificities. I am therefore convinced that recent developments and growing forms of trafficking, such as sexual exploitation and modern slavery should also be adequately addressed by the high-level event.

• The Agenda 2030 provides us with a tangible avenue for realizing coherence on substance: three of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explicitly address human trafficking, including sex trafficking, forced labour, child labour and the recruitment and use of child soldiers. I am hopeful that the outcome document of the General Assembly’s high-level event at the end of September will build on these.

• In the run-up to a successful meeting, the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will host the regional consultation workshop for Europe and Central Asia of Alliance 8.7 on June 29-30, jointly organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The workshop will offer stakeholders in the region the opportunity to identify and put forward priority actions to support the achievement of SDG target 8.7 with the aim of accelerating political and international support for the eradication of child labour, forced labour, and all types of modern slavery and human trafficking, like sex slavery at the regional level.

• Hungary believes that coordination and data sharing among Member States, civil society, the business community and UN entities should be concentrated on and strengthened, including through the mechanism of ICAT, the Inter-Agency Coordination Group Against Trafficking in Persons.

• As a firm believer in public diplomacy and in the power of awareness raising, I just recently hosted at the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the UN the Foreign Press Association Scholarship Fund Awards on 19 May 2017. This year’s topic for the competition was human trafficking addressing „the role of the international media to shine a light on the great moral and societal issues of our times, not to sensationalize, but to hold accountable the governments, decision makers and civil society”.

• I am committed to keep these issues on the agenda as a priority, and I encourage all stakeholders and Member States to engage in a reinforced cooperation on better coordination, law enforcement, investigations and information sharing.

  I thank you for your kind attention! 

The 8th Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing is taking place on 5-7 July 2017 in New York. The conference, this year, is focusing its general discussion on “Measures to enhance the contribution of Older Persons to Social Development”. In its national statement, Hungary confirmed its commitment to the promotion and protection of rights of persons with disabilities, and highlighted Government policies as well as local and civil society initiatives aimed at bettering the quality of life of the elderly, promoting active ageing and intergenerational connectedness and solidarity.

The Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing was established by the General Assembly by resolution 65/182 on 21 December 2010, with the aim of examining the existing international human rights instruments concerning the protection and promotion of the human rights of older persons, identifying any existing legal or implementation gaps and challenges, and exploring ways to address them. The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), adopted at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in 2002, serves as a reference point for policy-making with reference to issues concerning older persons.

The three-day session provides an opportunity for Member States, National Human Rights Institutions and civil society organisations to focus on two areas of interest: equality and non-discrimination, as well as violence, neglect and abuse.

The Hungarian Government considers older persons valuable members of the society, and key contributors to social development. Active ageing and inter-generational connectedness are core elements of policies and projects aimed at facilitating the participation of the elderly in public and community life.

Read the full national statement here.

The Secretary-General tabled his report on the repositioning of the United Nations (UN) development system on 30 June 2017, as part of his wider initiative to strengthen cohesion, increase accountability and improve results of the UN as a whole. The mandate to bring the functioning of the UN development family to its full potential stems from the Agenda 2030, and the General Assembly resolution number 71/243 on the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review of UN operational activities for development (QCPR). The report draws up eight principles and thirty-eight action proposals for the way ahead, worked out with the lead of Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina J. Mohammed. H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Hungary’s Permanent Representative to the UN welcomed the report and highlighted two areas, where further improvement of coordination and coherence is needed by the UN: provision and sustainable management of water and sanitation, and the fight against human trafficking and modern day slavery.

In his presentation of the report, the Secretary General stressed that the 2030 Agenda is the best mean to improve human lives without harming the planet, to advance economic, cultural, social and political rights, as well as to enable global peace and security. Development being the most powerful tool for prevention, the UN needs to get “fit for purpose”, in order to better meet today’s complex and interlinked challenges.

As a roadmap for change, the Secretary General sets out in the report the reform of the peace and security architecture by giving adequate priority to prevention and sustaining peace. He aims at linking the development system to the overall UN management reform by simplifying procedures, decentralizing decisions through stepped up transparency, efficiency and accountability. This shall include strategies and actions to achieve gender parity, to end sexual exploitation and abuse, and strengthen counter-terrorism structures. A more detailed report will follow suit from the Secretary General’s office in December 2017.

In welcoming and supporting the key findings of the report, H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Hungary’s Permanent Representative to the UN stressed that the 2030 Agenda makes it necessary to scale up coherence and efficiency. While building on existing mechanisms and functions, Hungary sees two main areas, where the UN development system would need to go through improvements. The report underlined significant gaps that data had shown in coverage of SDG 6 on water and sanitation, besides other crosscutting issues. As the water dialogue co-moderated by Hungary and Tajikistan also revealed, Member States and stakeholders need an improved and more integrated support by the UN system to implement and follow-up water related SDGs in a coherent manner. There is a need to work towards solutions based on the convergences.

The second area is the fight against human trafficking, forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of modern slavery, where Hungary finds it timely to step up coherence among actions of UN entities linked to the areas of conflict prevention and counterterrorism. Hungary remains hopeful that these points will be taken on board in elaborating recommendations for the next document due in December. In his reply to the Member States’ comments, the Secretary General thanked Ambassador Bogyay for pointing out human trafficking, which is an area especially high on his agenda.

Today, the UN and religious leaders and Member States gathered to launch a comprehensive “Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Preventv Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes”. In her statement, H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations drew attention to intercultural and interfaith dialogue in conflict prevention, and commended the commitment of faith leaders to fight discriminatory social norms against women, gender-based violence and engage in victim support.

Elaborated by the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect in partnership with the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers and the World Council, the Plan of Action is a comprehensive and practical guideline for faith leaders, civil society and Member States to take proactive action to monitor, prevent and fight incitement and early signs of possible atrocities, such as harmful stereotyping, radicalization and violence.

The Plan of Action is another stepping stone in the Fez Process, which was initiated in 2015, with the Fez Declaration and Plan of Action. The new document addressed a variety of stakeholders, including Member States, representatives of religious organisations, civil society and academia, to take tangible, everyday steps to eliminate incidents of incitement in their communities.

The meeting was opened by H.E. Mr. Adama Dieng, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Religious leaders of all big faiths travelled to the meeting to present their insights and ideas in implementing the Plan.

H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay welcomed the Plan of Action, and underlined the importance of dialogue between religions as a means of building trust, empathy and mutual respect among different communities. She called on representatives of all faiths to stand up for violence against women in conflict, fight impunity, and take leadership on re-integrating victims of gender-based violence into their communities, and build a narrative against should take a firm stance against stigma and discrimination.

Ambassador Bogyay also presented Hungarian policies of assisting Christian and other religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East.

Hungary supports, for instance, in the Middle East, the rebuilding of churches, schools, houses of persecuted Christian families with a robust programme. We also concentrate on education, with a strong scholarship programme.

To read the full statement, click here.

Mr. Secretary General,
Mr. Under-Secretary General, Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for convening this very important and timely meeting, and for the thoughtful and inspiring introductory remarks.

Hungary supports the new Plan of Action. The recommendations put forward in the document are valuable tools: targeted, tangible and tailored, they set out a roadmap to fight early signs of possible atrocities, radicalization, violence or violent extremism. With regard to women, I especially welcome the focus of the Plan on fighting discriminatory social norms and gender-based violence. Faith leaders should take a leading role in ending impunity, and facilitating the re-integration of victims into their communities, their families, and should take a firm stance against stigma and discrimination.

Comprehensive action requires partnership of all stakeholders, including states, religious actors, civil society, the media and education institutions. It is our shared responsibility to break down stereotypes, build trust, foster intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

In medieval times, Christian mystics and scholars like Hildegard of Bingen, Thomas Aquinas and Francis of Assisi engaged in positive dialogue with Muslims and Jews. Nicholas of Cusa espoused what he called a harmony or concordance of religions. But we also have to recognize the other side of the religion – its potential to fuel division, conflict, and intolerance amongst people. Unfortunately, religion is often used to justify discrimination against minorities, to discourage dissent, and to constrain the freedom of expression.

Hungary supports, for instance, in the Middle East, the rebuilding of churches, schools, houses of persecuted Christian families with a robust programme. We also concentrate on education, with a strong scholarship programme. Why? Because we believe that education is a basic tool of preventive diplomacy, and we commend the Secretary-General for placing prevention at the heart of his mandate.

We already supported the Fez Declaration and Plan of Action as groundbreaking documents, and we recognise Adama Dieng, United Nations Under-Secretary- General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide for his leadership in this process.

Prevention of atrocity crimes is the primary responsibility of States, and an overarching priority of Hungary at the UN. We are regular contributors to the Secretariat’s preventive work, committed members of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group, and active promoters of the Security Council Code of Conduct on action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. A member of the Human Rights Council, Hungary supports addressing the root causes of conflicts through mediation, soft diplomacy, the promotion and protection of human rights, freedom of religion and belief, and protection of Christian and other religious and ethnic minorities.

“There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions.” These famous words by a Swiss theologian and author Hans Küng capture the essence of why we are here today.

We have to work with religious leaders! Hungary welcomes the UN working with religious leaders. Tolerance and understanding among different faiths must be based on three essential ingredients: empathy, mutual respect, and trust. All the world’s major religions, with their emphasis on love, compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness, have these inner values.

In the spirit of this multi-faith conversation, I leave you with an excerpt from a Jainist prayer for peace:

A weapon, howsoever powerful it may be, 

can laways be superseded by a superior one;

but no weapon can, however,

be superior to non-violence and love. 

Thank you.