Active Ministry Involvement in UN Human Rights Review
Text: Ministry of Defence | 15:22 November 12, 2026Hungary’s fourth cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) took place on November 4 in Geneva before the UN Human Rights Council UPR Working Group. The Ministry of Defence also took an active role in the work of the Hungarian government delegation. The delegation was headed by Krisztián Mészáros, MFA State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs. The Ministry of Defence was represented by Ernő Baráth, Deputy State Secretary for Human Strategy, and Dr Gabriella Ráczkevy-Deák, Equal Opportunity Officer.
The review was preceded by several months of coordinated preparatory work. The Ministry of Defence, in consultation with the relevant specialist departments, reviewed the implementation of previous UN recommendations, compiled the findings relating to the defence sector, and contributed to the Hungarian delegation’s preparations by drawing up detailed background materials and drafting responses to anticipated questions.
At the Geneva review, Ernő Baráth – Deputy State Secretary for Human Strategy – outlined the defence achievements and objectives relating to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program. He highlighted that the draft of Hungary’s first WPS National Action Plan, covering the 2024–2028 period and prepared under the coordination of the Ministry of Defence, had been finalised. It has received the approval of the Minister of Defence, while the government’s adoption of the plan has not yet been completed.
The statement also noted that WPS considerations are already incorporated into military and pre-deployment training, with particular regard to the prevention of conflict-related sexual assault, the protection of the civilian population and children, and the promotion of human rights. Key tasks for the coming period include reviewing and updating the National Action Plan, promoting its adoption by the government, strengthening professional cooperation, and developing institutional and training capacities relating to WPS.
During the review, 88 UN member states, including 20 EU member states, made recommendations to Hungary. The assessment of these recommendations and the identification of further measures are continuing through inter-ministerial cooperation.
The Ministry of Defence’s involvement in Geneva clearly reflects the Ministry’s commitment to upholding human rights, equal treatment, and the objectives of the Women, Peace and Security program, while also contributing to the further strengthening of international relations and cooperation.
