"In the wake of the economic downturn, there have been a number of killings and incidents of violence against Roma, including in Italy, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic," the report assessing the situation of human rights in 194 countries around the world said.
"Roma are the largest and most vulnerable minority in Europe; they suffer racial profiling, violence, and discrimination," it added.
The country report stated that human rights problems in Hungary included police use of excessive force against suspects, particularly Roma. Additional problems highlighted in the report were government corruption, societal violence against women and children, sexual harassment of women and trafficking in persons.
According to the report, some problems worsened, such as extremist violence and harsh rhetoric against ethnic and religious minority groups.
"Extremists increasingly targeted Roma, resulting in the deaths of four Roma and multiple injuries to others," the report said.
politics.hu