IRCT REGIONAL REPORT 2016 Hungary ABOUT The Cordelia Foundation Hungary saw very high increases in asylum applications in 2014 and 2015. Political decisions in the country led to the construction of a fence at the border with Serbia in the summer of 2015 with refugees and asylum seekers on the receiving end of a hostile State response. The situation for torture victims is consequently very poor, with flagrant violations of human rights and basic needs completely neglected. Amendments to the asylum laws have virtually criminalised asylum, for instance through criminal penalties for damaging the border fence. That has resulted in many torture victims being placed in detention, accelerated procedures and many being deprived many basic rights. The Cordelia Foundation was founded in 1996 and offers psychiatric and psychosocial care to torture victims and from all over the world. Cordelia’s team is comprised of psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and interpreters. Cordelia’s core activity is to provide direct assistance to victims of torture residing in Hungarian reception centres. This involves therapeutic services, including individual, group and family therapies, as well as movement, relaxation and art therapy. Cordelia also assists torture victims during the legal procedure of applying for asylum by issuing an MLR containing psychological/somatic evidence of the torture experience, and providing practical help for refugees concerning accommodation, job opportunities, and services in general. The psychiatric and psychosocial assistance is based on internationally recognised methods developed by the Cordelia Foundation. The Foundation is also involved in training and awareness raising campaigns, which involves working closely with authorities and partner organisations. War refugees at the Keleti Railway Station in Budapest, Hungary. © Alexandre Rotenberg page 26