Office of the commissioner for fundamental rights of hungary

The second wave of the coronavirus pandemic has now reached Hungary as well. It is important that in these extraordinary times, we also dedicate a thought to those professionals who work for our safety with strenuous efforts and endurance under these changed circumstances, and continue to work with the same professional commitment as always – Ombudsman Dr. Ákos Kozma pointed out on the occasion of the Day of the Hungarian Prison Service.

We would like to inform you that due to the relocation of its premises, the Client Service of the Office of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights will be closed from 7 September to 20 September 2020. Nevertheless, our colleagues will remain at your disposal for telephone inquiries.

Dr. Ákos Kozma, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights and dr. Gyula Bándi, his Deputy, Ombudsman for Future Generations visited the Kis-Balaton on 25 August 2020. Following a professional discussion with the leaders of the Upper Balaton National Park, they paid a visit to the István Fekete Memorial House, the recently renovated István Fekete Memorial Room and the exhibitions displaying the natural treasures of the Kis-Balaton, as well as the cabin of the famous “Uncle Matula”, all located on the specially protected area of the Kis-Balaton called Diás Island.

At 8.00 a.m. on 20 August 2020, on the occasion of the public holiday commemorating the foundation of the Hungarian State, the national flag of Hungary was ceremonially hoisted with military honours at Kossuth Lajos Square in front of the Hungarian Parliament Building. The flag was hoisted by the National Home Defense Ceremonial Regiment to the sounds of the National Anthem. At the state ceremony, speeches were given by President of Hungary János Áder, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Minister of Defence Tibor Benkő. After the hoisting of the flag, the officer cadets took their oath and then the Memorial of National Unity was delivered.

Commissioner for Fundamental Rights Dr. Ákos Kozma attended the inauguration ceremony of the new building of the Veszprém County Prison in Veszprém on 13 July 2020.

On 29 June 2020, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights Dr. Ákos Kozma and Deputy Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, Ombudsman for the Rights of National Minorities Dr. Elisabeth Sándor-Szalay attended the hearing of the National Assembly’s Committee Representing the Nationalities in Hungary, where Report no. B/8769 submitted on the activities of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights and his Deputies in the year 2019 was discussed. In his exposé, Ombudsman Dr. Ákos Kozma emphasised the importance of earnest communication.