At the 17th United Nations Minority Forum held in Switzerland in December 2024, Zsolt Szilágyi, Head of the Foreign Policy Cabinet of the Hungarian Alliance of Transylvania (EMSZ), called for stronger international protection for the Hungarian community in Romania. The annual forum brought together hundreds of minority leaders, activists, and experts from around the world to discuss the protection and promotion of minority rights. The forum’s goal is to advance the improvement of minorities’ situation globally and to highlight the need for international protection.
Szilágyi emphasized that while the Hungarian community in Romania has been fighting for equal rights, educational rights, cultural autonomy, and restitution of assets seized during the communist regime since 1989, the Romanian government refuses to engage in open dialogue on these issues. He stressed that the role of state authorities and public figures is key to combating the widespread prejudice and hate speech faced by the Hungarian community in Romania, which continues to be evident in the media, public life, and even sports events.
Historic Challenges and Social Expectations
Szilágyi also pointed out that there are many international examples of successful minority rights recognition and autonomy, such as in South Tyrol, the Åland Islands, and the agreements between Slovenia and Serbia. These models demonstrate that protecting minority rights is not only possible but desirable in a democratic and stable society. He emphasized that the Romanian government continues to refuse dialogue, preventing progress on territorial autonomy and self-determination for the community.
„Minority rights are not only domestic matters, but also international legal and diplomatic issues. The Romanian government’s refusal to engage in democratic dialogue on autonomy is unacceptable,” said Szilágyi. He added that the Minority SafePack initiative, rejected by the European Commission, and the newer Citizens Initiative for National Regions would be the next steps to raise awareness of the need for stronger international protection and safeguarding minority rights.
The Importance of International Solidarity
In his conclusion, Szilágyi urged that the fight must continue for the rights and protection of the Hungarian community in Romania. „European national communities and minorities need stronger, more accountable international norms and protections,” he stated.
Also speaking at the forum, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó expressed concern about the situation of Hungarians in Transcarpathia, particularly regarding threats to their mother-tongue education. Gergely Kartai, a lawyer from Slovakia, also highlighted the autonomy demands of the Hungarian community in Slovakia.
The Minority Forum and the Role of the UN
The UN’s Minority Forum was established in 2007 with the goal of providing a platform for minority leaders from around the world to share best practices and support the work of the UN Minority Rights Commissioner. The forum aims to develop proposals that contribute to the protection and promotion of minority rights, particularly in countries where minorities face discrimination and disenfranchisement.
This year, the forum again underscored the importance of minority protection and discussed the measures necessary to ensure that minorities can live in safety and dignity in the future.
Conclusion
Szilágyi Zsolt’s speech at the UN Minority Forum sent a clear message: the Hungarian community in Romania needs stronger international protections. The forum provided an opportunity for minority rights leaders and activists to unite and work together toward global protection for minorities. For the Hungarian community in Romania, international attention and support are key to future progress.
Source: Ehir.ro