Hungarian American Coalition News, 1999 (8. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
1999 / 2. szám
COALITION PROJECT UPDATE continued Hungary’s integration into the European regional organizations, such as the recent NATO accession and the forthcoming membership in the European Union are positive developments that still require much work to be done. Hungary’s efforts to achieve and enjoy the expected security and prosperity of a fully integrated nation are challenged and hampered, however, by the twin threats of corruption and transnational crime. The government of Hungary, in cooperation with the US government has undertaken important programs to combat transnational crime and related problems. But the campaign against crime and corruption also requires public understanding and support. If the government is to succeed in shoring up citizens’ sense of security and trust in newly established democratic institutions, the government must improve the monitoring and control mechanisms of corruption. To reinforce the political will, the public must be better informed about the cost and effects of crime and corruption on civil rights and the people’s pocket books. The conference will focus on the following areas: • Ethical conduct in governance and in the business sector; the role of public servants • The short and long-term cost of corruption • Transparency in procurement • Transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, white collar crime, tax evasion and money laundering • Law enforcement and civil right, tough law enforcement measures vs. individuals rights Pre-conference polls will measure public understanding of these most prevalent forms of corruption, and the awareness and willingness of the public to take steps to correct the situation. Conference proceedings will receive wide publicity through dissemination in electronic and print media. And post-conference polls will measure possible changes in awareness and understanding of these problems by the public. Members of the Coalition are encouraged to obtain information on this project and participate in it. The conferences will address public officials, the business community and the public at large, including representatives of NGO’s. Experts will identify and discuss the various forms of corruption and the means to combat them. The conferences will also develop a “bill or rights” outlining the rights of ordinary citizens in their dealings with public officials. Each conference will be followed by a town-hall meeting, allowing the general public to ask questions and voice their concerns. NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS Hungarian Scouts Association Abroad The Hungarian Scouts Association Abroad (HSAA) held its biennial general meeting on April 10-11, 1999, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Included in the reports, which covered the activities of the Association over the past two years, was one considered to be a first. Namely, for the first time since the re-introduction of scouting in Hungary in 1989, Hungarian scouts from abroad and from Hungary (including girl scouts)attended as a joint contingent the 19th Scout World Jamboree in Chile, December 27, 1998 to January 7, 1999. Approximately half of the contingent consisted of boys and girls from Hungary, the other half of boys and girls from Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela. HSAA Headquarters in the United States helped to coordinate logistics, and offered financial aid. International Foundation for Gynecologic Cancer Detection and Prevention Dr. István Nyirjesy is President of the International Foundation for Gynecologic Cancer Detection and Prevention. The Foundation was created to help reduce cancer deaths by promoting screening and teaching techniques for early diagnosis. They have worked with doctors and hospitals in towns such as Debrecen and Satoraljaujhely. The Foundation not only provided demonstration projects in Hungary, but also has sponsored 6 • Hungarian American Coalition • June 1999
