A/HRC/4/9/Add.2 page 19 81. Targeted forced evictions of Roma in the context of neighbourhood gentrification plans and authorities deliberately paying benefits late so that Roma families default on rent payment, have been reported. Instances have been documented and legal cases brought regarding activities to restrict Roma from purchasing or moving into houses in non-Roma localities. In one instance, with the alleged sanction of a local mayor, community members acted to seriously damage a house that a Roma family was due to occupy. Other tactics to exclude Roma include local authorities purchasing houses from public funds rather than allowing Roma families to purchase, or offering higher amounts to sellers than prices agreed with Roma families. 82. The Independent Expert welcomes initiatives to address the housing needs of some disadvantaged Roma settlements through rehabilitation schemes. The Government recently funded nine Roma settlements to upgrade housing, one of which (Kisvaszari) was visited by the Independent Expert. This project resulted in the building of new housing for the most in need and the refurbishment of existing houses for others, dramatically improving living conditions for some families. Funding restrictions have resulted in rehabilitation programmes being limited in number and scope and failing to include proposals for complementary measures in the areas of local employment and education. Inter-community conflicts have arisen due to limitations in resources resulting in a selection process of those families to benefit from the schemes. 83. Under a government benefits policy Roma families with two children currently receive a grant of 2,400,000 forint (US$ 11,000) towards adequate housing, doubling to 4,800,000 for families with four children. However, it is also widely considered by NGOs that there is a housing crisis for Roma families, and the Independent Expert witnessed large families who had been rehoused only as part of a separate and limited programme of settlement rehabilitation. Analysis is required to ensure that housing subsidies to which Roma are entitled are being claimed and delivered in a timely manner, and are sufficient to provide adequate housing. 84. It is evident that the Government’s efforts to provide adequate legal protection to individuals have not been sufficient with regard to housing. The Government has not yet ratified key provisions of international law, most notably the Revised European Social Charter. In addition, the Government has removed a number of previously existing protections against forced evictions. It is clear that Roma would benefit significantly from improvements to general law in the field of housing rights. V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 85. Having widely consulted, assessed documentary information, and collected and analysed the views of various parties and stakeholders, the Independent Expert concludes that the Hungarian Government has demonstrated a high degree of attention and significant political will to addressing the unique needs of and problems faced by minorities. 86. The Independent Expert is required by her mandate to identify best practices by States and in this respect highlights a number of legislative and policy initiatives undertaken by the Government. The Independent Expert believes that the 1993 Act on the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities provides an innovative and dedicated approach to minority issues. Hungary’s system of minority self-governments, based on this Act, is a “promising practice” and a valuable contribution to cultural autonomy. It should however be monitored closely to ensure that it