OBESSU expresses its deepest concern with the educational measures proposed by the Hungarian Government. The Government of Hungary announced its intention to deploy police forces in 500 schools across the country. The measure, according to the government, aims at preventing violence towards teachers and educational personnel. Additionally, the government plans to extend the range of criminal offences and set the minimum age limit of punishability at 12 years.

The measure proposed contradicts international and European law, violating the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and The European Convention on Human Rights, each one stipulating the right of children to be protected against any form of violence, abuse, maltreatment and discrimination and declaring everyone’s right to freedom of expression.

We urge international and European actors to monitor the actions taken by the Hungarian government and act accordingly.

We stand in solidarity with Hungarian school students!

Read the full reaction here