Tristan Azbej, the state secretary in charge of assistance to persecuted Christian communities, said anti-Christian sentiments and the persecution of Christians are on the increase rather than the opposite.
Azbej pointed to Nigeria as an example, saying "nearly no Christmas passes without an anti-Christian terrorist attack" there, and highlighted the Hungarian government's decision to send aid worth 100 million forints (EUR 250,000) to that country. The donation was aimed at saving lives as well as helping local Christians "find a safe future" in their homeland rather than having to emigrate.
The state secretary said the Hungary Helps program aims to facilitate fast humanitarian aid but also to strengthen Christian communities in the long run. He noted that in Lebanon only 60 churches had been renovated by way of the Hungarian programme. He added that the scheme was similarly instrumental in preserving the cultural heritage in Syria and Iraq.
"These are small sums for the Hungarian budget, but in those countries, they could make a difference between staying in the homeland or emigration," the state secretary said.