Published: November 28 2023
A delegation from the Hungarian Democratic Alliance of Romania (RMDSZ) recently visited Washington, D.C. to advocate for the rights of the Hungarian minority in Romania. Led by party president Hunor Kelemen, the delegation met with local Hungarians and briefed various institutions and members of the legislature on the situation of the minority.
Upholding Minority Rights in Romania
According to Hunor Kelemen, Romania has seen repeated attempts to diminish minority rights that have already been established. The delegation's aim was to address American politicians and highlight that the relationship between the majority and minority in Romania is not only a human rights issue but also a matter of security policy. The RMDSZ President expressed trust in the US government's ability to apply pressure on Romania regarding minority issues.
European Framework for Minority Rights
Loránt Vincze, an RMDSZ Member of the European Parliament, provided insights into the European framework for minority rights. He called for increased attention from Washington towards the issue of Hungarians in Transylvania, emphasizing the need for closer cooperation between the United States and the European Union on human rights, including national minority rights.
Concerns about Administrative Reform in Romania
The RMDSZ delegation also expressed concerns about an administrative reform in Romania that could potentially disadvantage Hungarians. They highlighted the importance of upholding the rights and representation of the Hungarian minority amidst any changes to the administrative structure.
Overall, the visit aimed to raise awareness and seek support for the rights of the Hungarian minority in Romania, emphasizing the significance of these issues beyond mere human rights concerns.
Questions & Answers
Who was in the delegation of the Hungarian Democratic Alliance of Romania (RMDSZ) that visited Washington, D.C.? The delegation was led by the party president, Hunor Kelemen.
What was the purpose of the delegation's visit to Washington, D.C.? The purpose of their visit was to brief several institutions and members of the legislature on the situation of the Hungarian minority in Romania.
What organizations organized the meeting with local Hungarians in Washington, D.C.? The meeting with local Hungarians was organized by the New York-based Hungarian Human Rights Foundation and the Kossuth Foundation in Washington, D.C.
What did Hunor Kelemen report about the situation in Romania? Hunor Kelemen reported that there are repeated political attempts in Romania to take back minority rights that have already been acquired, and that these rights must be reaffirmed.
What did Hunor Kelemen emphasize about the relationship between the majority and the minority in Romania? Hunor Kelemen emphasized that the relationship between the majority and the minority in Romania is not just a human rights issue but also a security policy issue, particularly because Romania is on the periphery of the European Union and NATO.
What did Loránt Vincze, RMDSZ MEP, brief the Hungarian community in Washington on? Loránt Vincze briefed the Hungarian community in Washington on the European framework for minority rights.
What do they expect from Washington regarding the issue of Hungarians in Transylvania? They expect Washington to pay more attention to the issue of Hungarians in Transylvania and, more broadly, for the United States and the European Union to cooperate more closely on human rights, including national minority rights.
