Amsterdam 27 June 2013

Press Release

European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS) strongly regrets the decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) not to adopt a monitoring procedure of Hungary

Yesterday, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) rejected a resolution (Doc. 13229) put forward by the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) to monitor the rise of extremism in Hungary.

This affects all minorities, in particular the Roma and the Jewish communities, which needs the Council of Europe now more than ever.

EUJS believes that The Council of Europe needs to stand strong in the face of rising extremism and tensions across Europe. We need to monitor extremism and combat prejudice against all peoples, without which, it will continue to go unchecked and unchallenged, destroying the last six decades of stability that Europe has worked tirelessly to create and maintain.

The above motion would have presented a strong message to all leaders and citizens, in Europe and across the World, that extremism and prejudice are not acceptable in our free, democratic nations. EUJS was saddened to learn that the Council of Europe failed to adopt the motion, but we continue to strive and stand up to intolerance and injustice, to preserve democracy and the rule of law, where ever it rears it’s foul head.

Andi Gergely, EUJS Chairperson: “In these critical times, the monitoring of the policies of Hungarian government by the Council of Europe and other European institutions is necessary to guarantee the rule of law, the respect of the highest democratic standards and the equal treatment of minorities. “

EUJS looks forward to continuing to work with the Council of Europe to ensure justice, democracy and the protection of human rights for all.

Press contact: office@eujs.org