As the minister pointed out, the case of our country illustrates well why the distinction is necessary.Continue reading
The international community must stop being hypocritical and finally make it clear that there is a difference between refugees and illegal migrants, stated Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó in Geneva on Wednesday.
Speaking at the plenary session of the Global Refugee Forum, the minister stressed that
Hungary is under double pressure.
On the eastern side, the war in Ukraine, while on the south, the protection of the European Union’s external border poses a serious challenge on the Western Balkan migration route, which is the busiest today.
In his speech, he pointed out that international law in this field is clear: if someone is forced to flee, they have the right to stay temporarily in the first safe country,
but not the right to pass through dozens of safe states until they reach their chosen destination.
“Those fleeing from war in the first safe country are refugees and therefore have the right to stay there, while those crossing borders in safe countries are illegal migrants who must be stopped,” he stressed.
Speaking at an event organized by the UNHCR, Szijjártó said that Hungary is the best example of respect for international law in this regard. As he noted, “Hungary welcomes all refugees, as is shown by the fact that since the beginning of the war,
more than a million people have arrived in the country from Ukraine.
They have received adequate help, equal access to healthcare and education, and refugee children are studying in more than 1,500 schools and kindergartens in Hungary.”
By contrast, the authorities are doing their utmost to stop migrants, with 275,000 illegal border crossings recorded last year and almost 200,000 this year.
Regarding the latter, he deplored the extremely violent behavior of some migrants and people smugglers, some of whom have armed themselves and in several cases shot at Hungarian border guards, making life hell for those living there.
For the safety of Hungary and Hungarian citizens, we will never let these people in,”
he warned.
“To overcome the challenges, we need honesty to finally recognize that there is a clear difference between refugees and illegal migrants,” he concluded.
Via MTI; Featured Image: Pixabay