The United States has released its new human rights report. The first report prepared under the second Trump administration differs greatly from the propaganda materials written under Biden, and the human rights document confirms: Hungary has freedom of the press and freedom of speech, the government respects civil rights, and the rule of law functions.
In its 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the U.S. Department of State determined that Hungary’s human rights situation is stable and that there has been no deterioration over the past year—the rule of law is, in their words, “alive and well.” The report stresses that “there were no credible reports of significant human rights abuses,” and the Hungarian government took steps in the few cases where problems were found.
The Americans say Hungary’s rule of law is functioning
The document highlights that Hungary’s Fundamental Law and legislation guarantee freedom of expression, including freedom of the press. The government generally respects this right, and independent media outlets present a broad range of views. While government policy and media market conditions may affect certain outlets, the report clearly states: the press operates, and there is no systemic censorship.
According to the report, there were no arbitrary arrests, forced abortions, or enforced disappearances. Police and judicial procedures are broadly in line with the norms of the rule of law, defendants have the right to an attorney and to a fair trial. The State Department notes that authorities enforce the law and sanction officials who violate it when necessary.
It is also noteworthy that the report levels far fewer criticisms against some U.S. allies, such as Israel and El Salvador, compared with Brazil, South Africa, or even the United Kingdom. The sections on Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza state that the ongoing war “led to an increase in reports of human rights violations,” but add that “the government has taken credible steps to identify officials responsible for human rights abuses.” The report accuses Hamas and Hezbollah of war crimes, but does not mention that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Mohammed Deif, the Hamas commander behind the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack who was killed in July 2024.
The report also states that in several Western European countries—including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—the human rights situation has deteriorated because of regulations on online hate speech.
Translated and edited by: Alex Kada