ESSEN, GERMANY

Die Anti-Mipim Gruppe Rhein-Ruhr ruft für den 13. Februar zu einer Solidaritätsaktion gegen die Kriminalisierung der Wohnungslosen in Ungarn auf. Die Mahnwache soll um 15:30 Uhr vor dem Sitz des Ungarischen Wirtschaftskonsuls in der Gildehofstr. 1 in Essen starten. Die Gruppe folgt damit den Aufruf der Organisation “Die Stadt ist for alle da” aus Budapest. Im Rahmen des “Europäischen Aktionsbündnisses für das Recht auf Wohnen und die Stadt” wird es vom 13. bis 15.2, auch in anderen europäischen Städten Proteste gegen Kriminaliserung der Krisenopfer in Budapest und anderswo geben.

Aláírásgyűjtés Londonban

On Saturday, 28th of September, Social Work Action Network London (SWAN London) organised an event at the Apsley Arch at Hyde Park Corner, London in order to express international solidarity in the fight against the criminalisation of homeless people in Hungary. The event was organised in response to a call by A Varos Mindenkie (City is for All) initiative from Budapest. On Monday, 30th of September, the Hungarian Parliament is to debate the modification of the Penal Code that intends to define street homelessness as infraction punishable by fine, community service or jail (for "repeat offenders").

These changes are planned despite the fact that, in November 2012, Hungarian Constitutional Court struck down a law that criminalised street homelessness, arguing that the state should address homelessness as a social and not a criminal issue. In order to raise awareness of these issues and gather signatures to be passed on to the Hungarian Ministry of Interior, SWAN London passed on information about the proposed actions by the Hungarian Government and gathered support against the debate and for full withdrawal of the proposed changes.