the surrounding countries, there are more than two and half millions of ethnic Hungarians living as a national minority. The protection of the rights of minorities in Hungary are guaranteed by the Fundamental Law (constitution), the cardinal Act on the Rights of Nationalities (minorities) and different other pieces of legislation, from which, regarding the topic of the Forum, the Criminal Code is of particular relevance. While the Fundamental Law states that minorities (nationalities) living in Hungary are constituent parts of the State, the Cardinal Act on Nationalities forbids all policies and practices which persecute or intimidate a minority or individuals belonging to minority, or are aimed at the forced removal or relocation of a minority. This Act also provides for firm action by Hungary in its international relations against all political endeavours that may lead to violation of the rights of minorities, including by relying on the means afforded by international law and by virtue of international conventions. The Criminal Code defines the crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide, stipulating that any person who commits such crimes with the aim of the destruction of a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, or who deprives other persons of their basic rights for reasons of their affiliation with such a group is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment between ten to twenty years or with life imprisonment. With regard to the crime of incitement against a community the Code stipulates that any person who publicly incites hatred against any national, ethnic, racial or religious group is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment up to three years. All these legislative acts are ensuring a solid legal basis to prevent violence or atrocity crimes against minorities, to protect minorities internally and externally and also to sanction crimes committed against minorities or persons belonging to minorities on the motives of their affiliation. On this legal basis the Hungarian Government introduced a series of practical measures, like enhancing victim support services, training programmes for the judiciary and law enforcement bodies. In parallel the Government declared a zero tolerance policy towards anti-Semitism and anti-Roma attitudes. Incidents of anti-Semitism have been promptly followed-up by highest-level official condemnations from Hungarian authorities or by legislative changes. Legislation has also been tightened regarding paramilitary organizations. The Government enforces this decision by penalizing participation in disbanded organizations as well as the use of non-official uniform-like clothing to avoid intimidation particularly of the Roma by paramilitary groups. A hate-crime expert net has been operated by The Hungarian National Police Force since 2012.

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