J'ai signé!

... une question orale sur la criminalisation des personnes sans-abris en Hongrie, aux côtés de mes collègues de l’Alliance des Démocrates et des Libéraux pour l’Europe (ADLE) membres de la commission LIBE. En effet, en Hongrie, d’après une loi entrée en vigueur le 1er décembre 2011, dormir dans la rue est considéré comme un délit passible d’amendes pouvant s’élever jusqu’à 445 euros. Nous demandons à la Commission Européenne si cette loi est compatible avec les valeurs fondamentales de l’Union Européenne telles que l’égalité, la dignité humaine, la non-discrimination, la tolérance etc. 

Voici la question orale déposée : 

« On 1 December 2011 a law on the criminalization of homeless persons entered into force in Hungary. After a first warning, homeless persons sleeping in the streets will be fined 445 EUR or imprisoned. The UN Human Rights Rapporteurs on extreme poverty and human rights and on the right to adequate housing have criticised the law and called on Hungary to reconsider this legislation and to adopt a national housing strategy, which will take into account the needs and rights of the homeless in conformity with international human rights obligations. There are an estimated 30.000 to 35.000 homeless persons in Hungary, including people with disabilities. The economic and financial crises have resulted in a growing number of families living in the streets. Hungarian authorities report that new shelters have been built, but critics underline that this does not justify the fine or imprisonment of those who can still not find a shelter.

 Can the Commission/the Council illustrate if it shares the view that the abovementioned law:

– is incompatible with the founding values of the European Union as enshrined in article 2 TEU and notably the respect for human dignity, freedom, equality, respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities…in a society in which…non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality » prevail?

– is incompatible with the European Union legislation and policies to fight homelessness

– is a measure that fails to stand the ECtHRs test of proportionality and necessarity in a democratic society

– has a discriminatory impact on those living in poverty

– results in resources being spent on policing, detention, prosecution and incarceration, instead of being more efficiently used on housing solutions?

 Could the Commission provide statistics for homlessness in all the Member States?

 Shall the Commission / the Council share these concerns, what actions will it take with Hungarian authorities and will it open infringement proceedings against Hungary?