From February 1, citizens will be able to apply to start ombudsman procedures in person in six rural cities as well as Budapest. It is also a pioneering initiative in international practice. Škos Kuzma, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, made a statement to the Hungarian nation.
Many foreign ombudsmen congratulated them for their initiative, which is also a novelty in international practice – said Shkos Kuzma … The ombudsman considered it important to emphasize this From February 1, citizens will be able to apply to start ombudsman proceedings in person in Győr, Szeged and Debrecen, and from March 1 in three other rural cities of Székesfehérvár, Miskolc and Pécs. According to the Ombudsman, the opening of regional offices created an opportunity for the Office of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, which did not exist before the existence of the institution: Citizens who live in rural areas can also file a claim with the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights in person in places close to their place of residence.
Ákos Kozma believes that this is a common and important value for all of us, the closer they get to people, the more they can help as many of them as possible, because this is the most important mission of their organization.
Closer to people…
… – The Office of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights receives about eight thousand applications per year. In addition to investigating complaints about fundamental rights and police actions, complaints about the public interest, and complaints about handling, we have been acting as an authority on discrimination cases since January 1 last year. In our regional offices, an Ombudsman investigation can also be initiated into every type of case. Ombudsman procedures are free, inquiry costs are paid and borne in advance by our office, management is possible after pre-registration…
… Shkus Kuzma said that many foreign ombudsmen congratulated them on their initiative, which is also a novelty in international practice. His Greek colleague, who is also the European president of the International Ombudsman Institute, said he was planning to open a similar regional office in Thessaloniki and requested technical assistance in setting up a regional network on the Hungarian model. President of the International Ombudsman Institute, Chris Field – who is also the ombudsman for Western Australia – also appreciated the establishment of the Hungarian regional offices, said the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights….
Source: Hungarian Nation. The full article can be read here.
(Label: MTI / Attila Kovács)
