In the current world, sadly, nothing is more stable than persistent conflicts, instability, and the displacement of thousands of people. The situation is challenging not only for the countries that are in the middle of wars but also for the states that have to face mass migration.

Hungary chose a different approach to migration management than most Western countries, called the ‘helyben segítés’ (local assistance) model. The Hungarian government has faced significant criticism for allegedly refusing to help people, but this is not the reality. Instead, they try to address the root problem, not just manage its consequences.

‘Take the help there where the trouble is’

In 2015 not only Hungary but all of Europe faced a huge challenge in managing mass migration. Hungary experienced the pressure of thousands of people arriving at its borders and prioritized the security interests of its own citizens. The construction of a border barrier along the Serbian and Croatian borders reduced the illegal entry into the territory of Hungary. This led to a sharp reduction in domestic asylum applications in the following years.

Despite criticism for not allowing the flow of mass migration, Hungary did not refuse to help people in need; instead, it adopted a different approach to handling the situation. After overcoming the huge pressure coming from the mass of people arriving at the borders, Hungary had refined its strategy that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán summarized in a short sentence: ‘Let us not bring the trouble here, but take the help there where the trouble is.’

Hungary Helps

At the institutional level, this priority was formalized with the establishment of the Hungary Helps Programme (HHP).

Before the establishment of the HHP, Hungarian humanitarian assistance was carried out in three main forms. It was implemented in cooperation with governmental bodies (such as the Disaster Management Authority, the Ministry of Defence, and embassies), with the involvement of civil society organizations, and with the support of international actors, primarily specialized agencies of the United Nations, as well as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

‘Hungary has a hybrid approach that seeks to strengthen crisis-affected communities in their homeland’

According to its self-definition, the HHP represents a unique national model that combines international humanitarian engagement with elements of migration management and humanitarian policy. Created following the 2015–2016 migration crisis, the programme is guided by the principle of delivering assistance directly to areas in need, rather than encouraging migration to Europe or Hungary.

Real Actions

One of Hungary’s most important acts was the reconstruction of the town of Tel Askuf in northern Iraq. The programme helped renovate approximately 950 residential houses and multiple churches and educational buildings, enabling nearly 1000 families to return home.

In Syria, Hungary contributed to the renovation of the Al-Amal School in Aleppo, an institution serving both Christian and Muslim students.

In West Africa, Hungarian support has included assistance to Christians threatened by insurgencies, particularly groups affected by Boko Haram.

Why Does This Strategy Work with the Middle East and Not Ukraine?

Hungary experienced two significant waves of migration: one in 2015 and another in 2023. The Hungarian government adopted two distinct approaches to the two crises, as their origins differed.

In the first case, most of the people who arrived were considered economic migrants and, therefore, were not eligible for refugee or other forms of international protection. This situation required stricter border processes and also efforts to address the causes of migration. In addition, the Hungarian government argued that many migrants had already transited through several safe third countries where they could have sought protection.

In contrast, the case of people arriving from Ukraine was obvious, and they were viewed as refugees escaping armed conflict. In this case, Hungary was one of the first safe countries of arrival.

Hungary’s local assistance model reflects an effort to take humanitarian responsibility with sovereign decision-making and preventive security. Hungary has a hybrid approach that seeks to strengthen crisis-affected communities in their homeland.

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