NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Hungary Needs to Address Concerns Over New Constitution Media Laws

Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon today stressed that Hungary needs to address concerns over its new constitution and media laws.

Mr. Ban lauded Hungary on its 'remarkable' transformation from communism to democracy over the past 20 years.

"Hungary's revolution has clear lessons for other countries where people are seeking freedom and change after decades of repression."- Mr. Ban

Mr. Ban hopes that the Hungarian Government will continue to promote its own reforms and uphold fundamental democratic principles.

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Pál Schmitt, Mr. Ban said that freedom of expression is among those "bedrock" principles.

Earlier this month, the UN independent expert on the right to freedom of opinion and expression voiced concern over Hungary's recent media law, saying it could be used to curb the freedom of the press.

Mr. Ban said he told the President that the new laws regulating the media must be in line with the European mainstream and Hungary's own human rights obligations.

"They need to be consistent with the legacy of your own fight for freedom and in tune with concerns in your neighbourhood and around the world. Freedom of expression and the media are essential foundations for any healthy democracy."-Mr. Ban

The Secretary-General noted that there were similar concerns about certain provisions of the country's new Constitution that, according to media reports, was approved today by Parliament.

Source: United Nations