Elidegeníteni

Elidegeníteni, also known as disqualified children, is a term used in Hungary to describe individuals who were persecuted under communism for political reasons and have the status of being child of a political prisoner or being kept away from their family for political reasons.

Those classified as elidegeníteni were often born in internment camps or were separated from their families due to their parents' imprisonment or forced emigration. In many cases, the children were not allowed to see their parents for years, or even for their entire lives. As a result, they were denied the opportunity to form close relationships with their families and were often left with emotional and psychological scars.

After the fall of communism in Hungary, efforts were made to recognize the suffering of the elidegeníteni and to provide them with the support and recognition they deserved. In 1999, a law was passed that granted the title of elidegeníteni to those who had been uprooted from their families under communist rule. This title is still recognized today and elidegeníteni are entitled to a number of benefits and privileges, including preference in the allocation of publicly owned housing and access to specialized social services.

It is estimated that around 25,000 people in Hungary fall into the category of elidegeníteni, although not all have registered for the associated benefits and titles. The term elidegeníteni serves as a reminder of the complex and painful history of communism in Hungary and the need to support those who were most affected by it.