null Paying attention, rendering assistance and support when it is freezing outside are a humanitarian, moral obligation of everyone

Following the holidays, referring to the extreme cold weather of recent days, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights László Székely pointed out that it is a moral obligation and legal duty of everyone to lend a helping hand to those who are vulnerable and in need. No one should be left without substantive assistance and a roof above their head in this cold weather. According to the Ombudsman, the winter crisis period is the touchstone of solidarity, showing whether we are capable to pay due attention to those who are in continuous danger out in the streets or in places unsuitable for dwelling.

The Ombudsman emphasized that, although rendering assistance is primarily the responsibility of the state and the local governments, the individual members of society are also responsible for one another. Solidarity, humanity and, in particular, paying attention to and helping the elderly, the sick and others in general may save lives during the freezing days and nights of wintertime. The Commissioner suggested to notify, calling 061-338-4186, the Regional Dispatch Service of the Shelter Foundation in order to assist a homeless person who may be in danger. No one should be afraid to ask for assistance when seeing a person in danger: a life may be saved. The Commissioner reminded of the dozens who had frozen to death in Poland during the previous three days, emphasizing the importance of preventing such tragedies from happening in Hungary, as well.

He noted that, due to the cold weather and the lack of help, not only the homeless living in the streets but also those living alone in their unheated homes may be in danger. László Székely requested active assistance from everyone: we should pay even greater attention to those living around us, the elderly who live alone and the homeless living in the streets. The Ombudsman suggested that state and self-government organs should pay even more attention to the operation of the warning system and, if necessary, establish a special monitoring service. In order to comply with the state's obligation to save life, they should use any and all means at their disposal and cooperate more closely with civil society organizations and the organs providing public service.

As in previous years, the colleagues of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights are going to conduct on-the-spot investigations into the operation of the metropolitan homeless care system and the Commissioner is going to publish a comprehensive report on their findings. The Ombudsman wishes to review the results, if any, of the measures taken upon his recommendations, made in previous years, in the practices of homeless care.