Office of the commissioner for fundamental rights of hungary

The current regulation on prisoners’ contacts by phone – exclusive of the extraordinary rules introduced due to the coronavirus situation –, hence especially the bail payable for possessing a device and the reference tariff rates, may cause an infringement of the fundamental right to respect for privacy and family life, Ombudsman Dr. Ákos Kozma established during his comprehensive ex-officio inquiry.

The proceeding of the school and the school district (the maintainer) concerned caused an impropriety related to the right to fair administration of official matters as well as to the right to legal remedy during the assessment of requests of leave of absence of pupils from school, the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights exposed in connection with a complaint. Dr. Ákos Kozma called attention to the fact that in epidemiological situations as in ordinary times, leave of absence due to reasonable causes must be examined on the substance, and parents must be provided adequate information on the state of the matters.

In their joint statement on World Environment Day, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights Dr Ákos Kozma and Deputy Commissioner, Ombudsman for Future Generations Dr Gyula Bándi call our attention to our responsibility for our ecosystems and remind the state institutions, as well as all the members and groups of society to protect them.

Dr. Ákos Kozma, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights and Dr. Gyula Bándi, Deputy Commissioner for the Interests of Future Generations urge changes supporting sustainable living in order to protect biological diversity. The Fundamental Law of Hungary obliges each and every Hungarian to protect the diversity of nature.

On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we commemorate the fact in numerous countries of the world that it has been over three decades now that the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses. The ombudsman institution has always placed great emphasis on acting to protect equal human dignity, and to ensure that all people belonging to vulnerable groups can exercise their fundamental rights equally and free of discrimination.

The pandemic situation has improved as a result of the rising number of vaccinated citizens and it has also become possible to lift part of the related restrictive measures. Immunity certificates were introduced by the Government as one of the elements of this process. This card entitles those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered from the Covid-19 infection to use certain services.

In his report, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights Dr. Ákos Kozma concluded that some progress had been made at the Kalocsa Children's Home with regard to the staff headcount, the number of qualified employees and the reduction in staff turnover compared to the Ombudsman’s previous inquiry. However, serious, concrete and systemic problems were identified in respect of the physical conditions of the institution, the operation of its branch school and some other issues, therefore the Ombudsman formulated recommendations.

In connection with the petitions submitted to his Office, Ombudsman Dr. Ákos Kozma summed up the constitutional requirements pertaining to the application of immunity certificates, and formulated proposals aimed at finding a solution to the practical issues having emerged.

On the occasion of the Day of Birds and Trees, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights Dr Ákos Kozma and Deputy Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, Ombudsman for Future Generations Dr Gyula Bándi call attention to that the well-being of birds and trees is not only one of the key elements contributing to the operation of natural systems but it is also an indispensable factor ensuring the existence and harmony of humans. Pursuant to the Fundamental Law of Hungary, it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve them.

The Commissioner for Fundamental Rights proposes that a law should be adopted for ensuring that the eviction moratorium suspending the foreclosure of real estate properties remain in effect during the period of the pandemic.

In their joint statement published on the occasion of Earth Day, Dr. Ákos Kozma, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights and Dr. Gyula Bándi, Deputy Commissioner, Ombudsman for Future Generations call attention to the protection of wildlife and our natural treasures, as well as to our collective duty to preserve them for future generations.

Although in consideration of the pandemic, the necessity of imposing the wearing of masks as broadly as possible cannot be disputed on the level of constitutional law, the proportionality thereof can be established precisely by those guarantees that also champion the enforcement of the right to human dignity of certain groups of patients and persons living with disabilities. When taking each and every one of the protective measures, the circumstances of those affected should be assessed with the same respect and consideration – Ombudsman Dr. Ákos Kozma established in his report.