On Friday, Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog represented Hungary at the opening of a Wallenberg travelling exhibition in Helsinki. The main message of the exhibition, the Minister said, was that if we want future generations to respect human rights and human dignity, then we must respect their rights and dignity as well.
Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog opened the Helsinki Book Fair, at which Hungary is the guest of honour.
Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog visited Berlin on 24 October where he held talks with Spokesperson for European Affairs at the German Socialist Party (SPD) Michael Roth, who is also reports on Hungary. Later he participated at the official unveiling of the newly installed Roma Holocaust Memorial alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of Germany Joachim Gauck.
Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog visited Germany to participate on the unveiling of the Roma Holocaust memorial in Berlin, where German President Joachim Gauck was also present. They agreed that the Hungarian Minister will visit President Gauck in his office, in Germany sometime this year.
Thirteen books of Hungarian relevance will be published to coincide with the Helsinki Book Fair, which takes place between 25-28 October and at which Hungary will be the guest of honour. On 25 October, Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog will make the opening speech.
Various programs have been launched during the last two years of government measures aimed at building an economy based on work and reducing poverty.
The „PROGRESS – equality without boundaries” programme of the Ministry of Human Resources focuses on topics such as people with disabilities, ethnic discrimination and solidarity between generations. The aim of this programme is to help young people eliminate prejudice and stereotypes in order to strengthen acceptance and combat discrimination.
Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog greeted retired Chief Rabbi József Schweitzer on the occasion of his 90th birthday at the event, held in his honour.
Hungary, represented by Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog, was an honorary guest at this year’s Leipzig Lichtfest (Festival of Light), which focused on the country’s key contribution to the political changes of 1989 and the peaceful revolution in Eastern Germany.
Zoltán Balog, Minister of Human Resources visits Germany between 9-11 October.
Following a meeting with Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney, Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog stated that no mass return of the Roma is to be expected from Canada. He added that thanks to Canada tightening its immigration policy it is not worth abusing the country’s refugee system for financial gain anymore.
The Minister of Human Resources and state secretaries participated in the Budapest Marathon relay race. Every member of the group completed the run partnering a runner living with disabilities (people with impaired vision or physical disabilities). The number of participants was 19,200, compared to the previous record of 17,700.
An informal meeting of education ministers from the European Union took place on 4-5 October in Nicosia. At the meeting, Hungary was represented by Rózsa Hoffmann, Minister of State for Education and Zoltán Gloviczki, Deputy State Secretary for Compulsory Education.
An exhibition presenting the works of Roma artists was inaugurated by Deputy State Secretary for Social Inclusion Katalin Langerné Victor at Szabadság square. The artists aim to present Roma culture and everyday life through photos and paintings.
Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog announced at a press conference that one thousand Roma women may receive vocational training and then a suitable job in the social and child welfare system within the framework of the EU-financed program launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and National Roma Council. The Ministry and the Roma organisation expect that the women will play a significant role in coordinating between the Roma communities and social institutions.
State Secretary for Cultural Affairs László L. Simon will open Romanian Film Week on the evening of 5 October at the Uránia National Film Theatre.
Hungary leads the way among EU Member States with regard to the implementation and comprehensive monitoring of the Roma Strategy and its effects, Deputy State Secretary for Social Inclusion Katalin Langerné Victor stated following the first two-day meeting on the Roma Strategy in Brussels.
Minister for Human Resources Zoltán Balog met with member of the French Senate’s European Affairs Committee Michael Billout, who is preparing a report on the situation of the Roma for his committee.
In 2012 the Government has made over HUF 8.2 billion available for the care of homeless people.
A total of HUF 477 million will be allocated by the Minister of Human Resources to the development of students with integration, learning and behavioural difficulties.