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András Bíró, the „patriarch of Hungarian civil society“, passes away at the age of 98

András Bíró, a Hungarian journalist and activist, was a key figure in rebuilding Hungary’s civil society after the fall of the Communist regime. His recent passing has left a void in the world of activism, but his legacy lives on through the lasting impact of his work. Bíró was known for his dedication to empowering Hungary’s Roma minority, as well as his efforts in poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and grassroots activism.

Born in Bulgaria in 1925, Bíró moved to Hungary as a child and lived there until the 1956 uprising. He then spent time in Paris, where he became the founding editor of the Food and Agriculture Organisation magazine Ceres and founded the environmental journal Mazingira. In 1978, he moved to Mexico, where he consulted for UN agencies and local NGOs. Bíró eventually returned to Budapest in 1985 and continued his work until the collapse of Communism allowed him to establish the Hungarian Foundation for Self-Reliance in 1990.

The Hungarian Foundation for Self-Reliance, also known as Autonómia Alapítvány in Hungarian, was a testament to Bíró’s vision of empowering marginalized communities. The foundation played a crucial role in reinforcing the overall democratization process in Hungary and was a leader in empowering Roma within the East European region. Through giving hundreds of grants to grassroots organizations, the Foundation helped reinvigorate Hungarian civil society.

In a 2023 interview with Right Livelihood, Bíró explained his approach to empowering the Roma community through the foundation. He emphasized the importance of helping individuals help themselves, rather than perpetuating poverty through temporary solutions. Bíró believed in empowering marginalized communities to become self-reliant and independent.

For his dedication to defending Hungary’s Roma minority and aiding in their self-development, Bíró and his foundation received the 1995 Right Livelihood Award. This recognition highlighted the impact of Bíró’s atypical initiative and the importance of supporting marginalized communities in their journey towards empowerment.

Bíró’s legacy as a global citizen with a passion for empowering those around him will always be remembered. His work in rebuilding Hungary’s civil society and empowering marginalized communities has left a lasting impact on the world of activism. As we reflect on his life’s work and the importance of civil society in holding the powerful to account, we honor András Bíró’s legacy and continue to strive for a more just and equitable society.

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