Addressing the growing global persecution of Christians

Hungary Helps as a model initiative for other state actors?

Abstract

Some states have shown interest in human rights violations targeting Christians, but in most cases the interest has not translated into concrete actions. Hungary is one exception to this pattern. In 2017, the Hungarian government created Hungary Helps, an international development initiative that concentrates on religious op- pression with a focus on persecuted Christians. After a review of data on Christian persecution and state responses, this article examines the guiding principles that inform Hungary Helps and its programs. The paper suggests that other states could consider incorporating various dimensions of Hungary Helps into their foreign policy initiatives to address the growing global persecution of Christians.