Hungarian orphanage investigations reveal abuse and neglect

Leaked investigation reports into Hungarian orphanages have revealed severe systemic failures, including hunger, sexual abuse, and hazardous living conditions. The investigations, originally ordered in early 2024 following political scandals, covered 530 residential institutions but were initially withheld from the public.

In Bács-Kiskun county, reports indicate that children faced starvation because no food was available after 6:30 PM. This led to instances where children reportedly endured sexual abuse from peers in exchange for food. Other findings highlighted a rise in peer-on-peer sexual abuse, with one report from Vas county noting the youngest perpetrator was only nine years old.

Physical conditions in several facilities were described as unacceptable, characterized by mold, darkness, and dangerous furniture. In Budapest, one institution operated with only two functional lamps out of twenty. Furthermore, the reports identified a critical shortage of educators and psychologists, leaving many victims of abuse without necessary psychological support. The documents were eventually obtained by investigative journalists through legal action involving the Hungarian Society for Justice.