A/HRC/4/9/Add.2 page 2 Summary The Independent Expert on minority issues, Ms. Gay McDougall, in pursuance of her mandate, visited Hungary from 25 June to 4 July 2006. During the course of her visit, the Independent Expert held numerous consultations in Budapest, and undertook visits to Roma communities in the Pecs region and to other groups to see first hand the situation of minorities and to consult directly with community members. The Independent Expert highlights that the Hungarian Government has demonstrated significant political will and dedicated considerable resources and attention to address the needs of, and problems faced by minorities in general. She considers the unique Hungarian system of minority self-governments to be a valuable contribution to efforts to enable cultural autonomy for many officially recognized minority groups in Hungary. However, at the local level, due to higher priority needs of Roma communities facing severe discrimination, exclusion and poverty, the system has largely been diverted from its intended function to preserve Roma culture, identity and language. The Roma have been the most affected by Hungary’s difficult transition period from socialism to a market-based economy. Economic decline and privatization of State industries caused a disproportionately high percentage of employed Roma to lose their jobs. Nationwide Roma unemployment rates continue to greatly exceed those of other minorities and the majority population, exacerbated by exclusion from labour markets due to widespread discrimination and anti-Roma prejudice. Statistics reveal a life expectancy for Roma of over 10 years less than that of the general population. Education of Roma is characterized by widespread segregation on racial grounds and poor educational opportunities, particularly for Roma girls. Thousands of Roma live without running water, electricity and other basic services. The Roma population face serious discrimination, exclusion and unusually high levels of poverty. These problems place particular burdens on Roma women who play the primary role in fashioning coping mechanisms for their families and who must also negotiate the unique limitations placed on them in the larger society due to their status as women. Roma issues require urgent and focused attention over a considerable period. The Independent Expert expressed immediate concerns that current moves by the newly re-elected Government to restructure its previous institutional focus on Roma issues, in favour of a broad-based policy to address “disadvantaged groups”, will lead to an erosion of progress on Roma issues. She highlighted concern over the situation of Roma in the fields of education, employment, health, housing, and criminal justice, as well as the need to comprehensively address societal discrimination and anti-Roma prejudice. The Independent Expert notes that the Government must take effective legislative and administrative steps to monitor and enforce compliance with national standards and the fulfilment of the rights of Roma at the municipal level. Essential early measures are needed to provide full and effective political participation of minorities including the Roma, at all levels, including within Parliament, as a key means to fulfil their rights. Data disaggregated by ethnicity and gender is urgently required to measure, monitor and remedy ethnic discrimination.