As of February 1, citizens can now apply in person to start the ombudsman procedure in six large rural cities in addition to Budapest. This is also a pioneering initiative in international practice. Ákos Kozma, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, made a statement to the Hungarian Nation.
Several foreign ombudsmen congratulated their initiative, which is also considered a novelty in international practice, said Ákos Kozma... The ombudsman considered it important to point out that as of February 1st, in addition to Budapest, citizens are now in Győr, Szeged and Debrecen, and from March 1st in three other large rural cities. , Székesfehérvár, Miskolc and Pécs can also apply in person to initiate the ombudsman procedure. According to the ombudsman, with the opening of the regional offices, the Office of the Commissioner of Fundamental Rights created the possibility of something that did not exist before during the institution's existence: citizens living in rural areas can personally initiate the procedure of the Commissioner of Fundamental Rights at locations close to their place of residence.
Ákos Kozma believes that this is a common and important value for all of us, as they get closer to people, they can help as many of them as possible, since this is the most important mission of their institution.
Closer to people…
...– The Office of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights receives around eight thousand submissions every year. In addition to investigating complaints related to fundamental rights and police actions, public interest reports and complaints against their handling, we have also been acting as an authority in discrimination cases since January 1 last year. The ombudsman investigation can also be initiated in our regional offices in each type of case. The ombudsman procedure is free, the costs of the investigation are advanced and borne by our office, and administration is possible after prior registration...
... Ákos Kozma said that several foreign ombudsmen congratulated their initiative, which is also considered a novelty in international practice. His Greek colleague - who is also the European President of the International Ombudsman Institute - informed him that they are planning to open a similar regional office in Thessaloniki, and asked for professional help in building a regional network on the Hungarian model. The president of the International Ombudsman Institute, Chris Field - who is also the ombudsman of Western Australia - also expressed his appreciation for the establishment of the Hungarian regional offices - stated the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights....
Source: Hungarian Nation. The full article can be read here.
(Cover photo: MTI/Attila Kovács)
