The position of the FUEN regarding the assault of the headquarters of the Hungarian minority organisation in Ukraine

The Federal Union of European Nationalities expresses deep concern over the fact that the headquarters of the Hungarian minority organisation in Ukraine (KMKSZ) were the target of yet another violent incident.

Aggressions against the Hungarian minority protection organisations have become frequent in Ukraine. The offices of the KMKSZ in Uzhhorod were the target of aggressive acts for the second time this month. The FUEN firmly disproves of any form of intimidation and any and all acts which bypass proper democratic instruments. In our view the acts of vandalism of the offices of the KMKSZ were not only an aggression against the organisation itself, but an aggression against the Hungarian community in Ukraine.

It is the responsibility of the Ukrainian authorities to take proper measures against such violent behaviour. We therefore call upon the Ukrainian authorities to protect the Hungarian community in Ukraine by guaranteeing that the provisions of the law have been strictly and rigorously applied, and to provide immediate protection for the offices of the minority protection organisation. It is the duty of the authorities to create a safe environment in which these atrocities, and the intimidation of a community, are prevented. Countering all forms of extremist manifestations ought to be a part of this duty.

Furthermore, we call upon the Ukrainian Government to initiate dialogue with the leaders of the Hungarian Community in Ukraine in pursuit of taking the necessary steps to defuse the conflict situation.

Vincze Loránt,

President of the FUEN