„Nemzetközi összefogással az emberkereskedelem ellen”
Authors: Dános Valér , Szabó Csaba 
Published: February 2022

We interviewed Hungary’s National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Dr. Mátyás Hegyaljai, Deputy State Secretary for EU and International Affairs of the Ministry of Interior, about the requirements he has to meet in his role and the challenges he faces during his work. The fight against trafficking in human beings requires a complex approach, in which the close cooperation between relevant ministries, authorities and civil society actors is essential. To this end, the Ministry of Interior operates two consultation forums, where it presents domestic expectations and international recommendations in the framework of an active dialogue with the stakeholders. Owing to the close professional cooperation of recent years, the expansion of the capacity of the management and executive staff, as well as the growing attention of the government the perception of Hungary is much more positive in the international arena, acknowledged by the recent country reports as well. Since 2020, Hungary has a new national anti-trafficking strategy, which also allocates now significant financial resources for the implementation of the adopted measures. Although the prolonged pandemic has made the day-to-day work of those working in the fight against human trafficking more difficult, the investigations have continued and the victims have been able to access the services they need. Of course, the new situation required adaptation, so attitudeforming and other professional trainings were held online. However, we still need to face the expected and unexpected challenges and prepare to address them as much as possible. The measures for the next two years of the strategy until 2023 have been prepared and will be implemented on a scheduled basis in co-operation with the relevant ministries and state bodies. In order for public awareness-raising to be effective, we must keep on the agenda the issues through the media that are needed to reduce the phenomenon. The most important stages of Mátyás Hegyaljai’s professional career so far have greatly contributed to the success of his domestic and international work in the fight against human trafficking. He worked for Interpol as an expert for five years and later became Head of the Interpol National Agency. He was a member of the Interpol European Commission for four years and was elected president of the organization in the first year. He was also elected to the 13 members of the Interpol Executive Committee. Between 2002 and 2006, he was Head of the Europol National Office, during which time the National Office was established in Hungary. The Secretary of State was personally involved in the drafting of all Europol treaties, the main result of which was the drafting of the Europol Decision and the Europol Regulation. Former member of the Management Board of Europol, full member for four years. Hungarian member of the SELEC Council. He has issued more than 30 publications in various journals and books, and carries out educational and scientific activities in various educational institutions. Member of the Editorial Board of the ”Európai Tükör” journal (European Mirror Journal). He worked for the Permanent Representation in Brussels for six years as a diplomat, leading the Justice and Home Affairs group. He has attended postgraduate training at several foreign higher education institutions.