​The Church of Sweden supports refugees and migrants in Hungary

The fun of playing can reduce stress among children in migrant families who are exposed to severe hardships. Psychosocial work is now being conducted in a couple of refugee reception centres in Hungary, where the main target group consists of children aged 3–14. Photo: Daniel Fekete/HIA/ACT.

In response to the large flow of refugees and migrants to Europe, the Church of Sweden is helping by providing toiletries, tents and psychosocial support in Hungary. The measures focus above all on women and children.

A large number of refugees and migrants from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and several African countries have arrived in Hungary recently. About 110,000 refugees have been registered since the start of 2015. The authorities are not able to meet the needs of the new arrivals, and the number of migrants and refugees is continuing to increase rapidly as about 1,500 people per day cross the border to Hungary.

That’s why the Hungarian authorities have asked voluntary organisations to help refugees and migrants who make their way to the country.

The situation requires urgent action
Seeing as autumn and winter are approaching, new accomodation and expanded support are required – especially if the number of refugees continues to rise. In Hungary there is at present accommodation for fewer than 3,000 asylum seekers. A total of 200,000 migrants are expected to arrive in Hungary before the end of the year.

The Church of Sweden’s current contribution of SEK 250,000 focuses above all on women and children and is conveyed via ACT Alliance (see below). Assistance in the form of vital necessities reduces the vulnerability of those affected and increases their sense of security.

The Church of Sweden is part of ACT Alliance, a global collaboration involving churches and organisations for disaster relief, development and advocacy work. ACT Alliance consists of around 140 member organisations with 30,000 employees and volunteers in 140 countries around the world.