A Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation and response to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in crises regions, has been signed between the Hungarian government and the Sovereign Order of Malta. The agreement, which was signed in Budapest on October 24th, stems from the increasing number of acts of violence and persecution against minorities, and the consequent establishment on behalf of the Hungarian government of a State Secretariat for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and for the Hungary Helps Program.

More specifically, the Memorandum of Understanding aims at sharing knowledge, experience, and resources to develop projects in the Middle East, in Africa and other crisis regions.

To this end some key sectors for the provision of international cooperation and assistance have been identified, such as religious freedom and human rights, stabilization and essential service-delivery in health and education, supporting livelihood of vulnerable people.

“The Memorandum signed will further the already strong cooperation we have with the Hungarian government, allowing us to respond more effectively to the needs of people in need” said Imre Ugron, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Hungary.

The Order of Malta is present in Hungary with its Embassy, National Association – which was established in 1928 – and Relief corps. The latter can count on 2.500 staff and around 15.000 volunteers scattered in 350 locations across the country. It develops a wide range of programmes caring for the elderly, the homeless, the disabled, disadvan¬taged families and children, and drug addicts.