The persecuted Christian communities of the world can count on Hungary's support despite the economic difficulties, the government is committed to the continuation of the existing programs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó announced on Monday in London.
At the London conference on the prevention of sexual violence committed during armed conflicts, the head of the ministry emphasized that our country, as a nation with more than a thousand years of Christian statehood, feels responsible for persecuted Christians worldwide.
He emphasized: this is why the Hungary Helps program was launched five years ago, within the framework of which approximately 80 million dollars have been spent, among other things, on the reconstruction of homes and institutions, the operation of schools and hospitals, and economic support in order to enable those affected to stay or return home.
According to his information, Hungary provided assistance to around one million people in 54 countries.
At the event organized by the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Péter Szijjártó called it regrettable that in the 21st century, various extreme ideologies are spreading rapidly, and that many are still exposed to ethnic and religious persecution, which is often accompanied by sexual violence.
He pointed out that the Hungarians have historical experience in this regard, after the country was invaded by extremist ideologies during and after the Second World War, and many local women were victims of sexual violence at that time.
The minister reported that, for this reason, our country pays special attention to this area, and provided special support, for example, to the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq to promote the rehabilitation of girls and women who were victims of Islamist terrorists.
The Hungarian government is committed to the continuation of these programs despite all economic difficulties, the European recession and existing challenges, the persecuted Christian communities can still count on Hungary's support, he declared.
Source: Magyar Hírlap
Image: MTI/EPA
