Published : 31-03-2017
Asylum seekers entering Hungary, as well as those currently in the country, are to be confined in camps composed of converted shipping containers while their applications are processed.
A few weeks ago, Hungary's parliament approved the systematic detention of all asylum seekers in a move that has drawn criticism from human rights groups and the UN.
In a statement issued on Monday, the interior ministry said the purpose of the restrictions is to "prevent migrants with an unclear status from moving freely around the territory of the country and the European Union, and to thereby reduce the security risk of migration".
A second "smart fence" complete with night cameras, heat and movement sensors, and multilingual megaphones warning against crossing the barrier is also under construction, with completion scheduled by May.
According to the government, shipping container homes have been installed in transit zones built into a fence that Hungary has erected along its southern border with Serbia.
The UN High Commission for Refugees has warned Hungary that systematic detention will have a terrible physical and psychological impact on women, children and men who have already greatly suffered.
AGPS condemns the new rules for failing to meet Hungary's international obligations vis-à-vis asylum seekers.
Thousands of Palestinian from Syria have embarked on life-threatening journeys to Greece and Macedonia on way to Hungary, before heading to Europe in the hunt for a safer shelter.
Asylum seekers entering Hungary, as well as those currently in the country, are to be confined in camps composed of converted shipping containers while their applications are processed.
A few weeks ago, Hungary's parliament approved the systematic detention of all asylum seekers in a move that has drawn criticism from human rights groups and the UN.
In a statement issued on Monday, the interior ministry said the purpose of the restrictions is to "prevent migrants with an unclear status from moving freely around the territory of the country and the European Union, and to thereby reduce the security risk of migration".
A second "smart fence" complete with night cameras, heat and movement sensors, and multilingual megaphones warning against crossing the barrier is also under construction, with completion scheduled by May.
According to the government, shipping container homes have been installed in transit zones built into a fence that Hungary has erected along its southern border with Serbia.
The UN High Commission for Refugees has warned Hungary that systematic detention will have a terrible physical and psychological impact on women, children and men who have already greatly suffered.
AGPS condemns the new rules for failing to meet Hungary's international obligations vis-à-vis asylum seekers.
Thousands of Palestinian from Syria have embarked on life-threatening journeys to Greece and Macedonia on way to Hungary, before heading to Europe in the hunt for a safer shelter.
