Refugees living in a Hungarian border town are bracing themselves for another mass deportation, as the government plans to forcibly remove hundreds of asylum-seekers from the country. The operation, which is expected to be one of the largest of its kind in Europe, is raising concerns among human rights groups and locals alike.
As the departure deadline looms, many refugees are grappling with the reality of leaving behind, in some cases, years of building a new life. “Should I kiss my husband goodbye and never see him again?” lamented one migrant, who has been living in Hungary for five years and is eager to start a new family.
Other refugees are worried about the uncertainty of their future, with some facing the prospect of being sent back to countries torn apart by conflict, politics, or hard economic conditions. “What will I do in Somalia? What will happen to me?” asked another migrant, shaking his head as he packed his meager belongings.
Despite the uncertainty, some migrants are resigned to their fate, seeing no choice but to go. “I have no option but to go back to my country,” said one, his voice laced with despair. “But I pray that God will help me, that I will be safe and secure.”
As the deadline approaches, human rights groups are urging the Hungarian government to reconsider its plans, citing concerns over the safety and well-being of the migrants. “Mass deportations are, in many cases, a grave breach of human rights,” warned Amnesty International. “Including mass returns, which may be forced, with the risk of persecution, violence, and even death.”
As the fate of the refugees hangs in the balance, one thing is clear: for many, the prospect of leaving behind loved ones, livelihoods, and the comfortable familiarity of their fledgling new lives is a daunting, if not overwhelming, prospect.