Hungary

Oltalom Sports Association give disadvantaged and homeless people the opportunity to participate in sports and social activities. Their programmes, including regular football training sessions, are designed to improve the health of participants, promote understanding, and reduce crime in some of Hungary’s most dangerous areas. Through sports, OSA bring people together and help create valuable contacts and friendships.

The government has criminalised “habitual living” in public spaces, including underpasses, bridges, playgrounds etc. Offenders can be fined, forced to carry out community service, and even imprisoned. The law has been criticised by many NGOs (The Economist, 2013).