A conference on 11-12 October sponsored by the government of Hungary released a joint declaration calling for international action to address the persecution of Christians.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, opened the conference and in his inaugural address spoke of how ‘the forced expulsion of Christian communities and the tragedies of families and children living in some parts of the Middle East and Africa have a wider significance: in fact they threaten our European values’.
A strong call
The declaration affirms ‘deepest solidarity with the Christians and other religious minority groups that are being persecuted all around the world’. It calls on the European Union, political decision makers and international organisations to enable Christian refugees to return to their homelands.
The Budapest Declaration has been welcomed due to its recognition of the specific threat and persecution faced by Christians globally, and particularly in the Middle East. However, real, lasting change will only come about if such public recognition leads to action.
Over 300 participants from 30 countries, including representatives from the Hungarian Government, think tanks and charities, along with Christian leaders from around the world, were present at the conference.
Own house in order?
Hungary has been criticised for its approach to refugees and minority groups from within its own borders, which it has decided are less worthy of attention and sup-
