The Hungarian government is due to revoke a new law that criminalises homelessness. The new legislation entitled the Petty Offences Act, enacted in April 2012 made it an offence to “reside habitually in public spaces or to store belongings in them.” The legislation targeted the most marginalised and poorest members of society. Offenders may be imprisoned for up to 75 days or a maximum fine of 150,000 Hungarian forint can be imposed.
In December 2011 the Hungarian Ombudsman lodged a complaint with the Hungarian Constitutional Court challenging the legality of the Act. The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (HCLU), a leading Hungarian human rights organisation, has challenged the Act on behalf of two homeless people. Decisions are currently pending in this case.
Lydia Gall, Eastern Europe and Balkans researcher at Human Rights Watch commented: “Fines and jail will do nothing to address fundamental problems that lead to homelessness.” She commented further “Hungary’s approach to homelessness is completely at odds with Europe’s anti-poverty strategy, fines and jail will serve only to further marginalise some of the most vulnerable in society.”
Click here to read an article by Human Rights Watch on the issue.
Meanwhile, a London borough is considering moving approximately 150 homeless housing benefit claimants to Derby and Nottingham in central England. Grant Shapps, Conservative Minister of State for Housing and Planning rejected criticisms of the plan and commented: “it can’t be right having people on housing benefit living on streets which hard-working families cannot afford to live on.”
Click here to read an Irish Times article on the issue.