UN human rights chief criticizes Hungary's treatment of refugees

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on Thursday said he was appalled at the recent actions and attitudes displayed by the Hungarian government and authorities in relation to refugees and migrants.

Zeid also urged European institutions to resolve their impasse and take firm action to respond to the refugee crisis in Hungary and elsewhere.

"The images of women and young children being assaulted with tear gas and water cannons at Hungary's border with Serbia were truly shocking," Zeid said.

The UN human rights chief said he was appalled at the callous, and in some cases illegal, actions of the Hungarian authorities in recent days, which include denying entry to, arresting, summarily rejecting and returning refugees, using disproportionate force on migrants and refugees, as well as reportedly assaulting journalists and seizing video documentation.

The Hungarian government has just finished building a fence on its border to Serbia and closed the border crossings, while a new law criminalizing irregular entry into Hungary came into effect on Tuesday.

Hungary has reportedly begun returning refugees to Serbia, following very summary proceedings, and the Hungarian government is now talking of building more fences along its other borders with Romania and Croatia. Endit