BackThe Office of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights of Hungary (CFR) has successfully implemented the IOI-supported regional subsidy project “Connecting Ombudsman Procedures and Citizens”. The two-phase initiative aimed at strengthening public awareness of the Ombudsman’s work, particularly in the field of disability rights, and at familiarizing the public with the network of newly established regional offices. The project was inspired by a growing need to make the Ombudsman’s services more visible and accessible throughout the country; especially for individuals living in remote or disadvantaged areas, or those lacking the digital literacy required to submit complaints online. By facilitating direct engagement between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the National Human Rights Institution, the project sought to bring fundamental rights protection closer to citizens.
In response to these access-related challenges – such as geographical distance, limited digital access, and financial hardship – the CFR established six regional offices in 2022. These offices, located in Debrecen, Szeged, Győr, Székesfehérvár, Miskolc, and Pécs, allow individuals to initiate Ombudsman procedures in person, closer to their place of residence. This decentralized model has since attracted international attention as an example of good practice and has also contributed to Hungary’s broader humanitarian efforts in response to the Ukrainian–Russian conflict. Just two days after the outbreak of the war, the CFR visited the Hungarian–Ukrainian border region, where he gathered crucial on-the-spot information and opened a temporary regional office to assist displaced individuals with legal advice and administrative support.
The first event of the project took place in Debrecen on 15 November 2023 and focused on raising awareness about the Ombudsman’s role within the Disability Mechanism. Representatives of civil society organizations attended a workshop led by senior staff of the CFR, including the Ombudsman himself, followed by a visit to the Directorate-General for Disability and the regional office in Debrecen. This phase underscored the importance of localized access to fundamental rights protection, particularly for citizens facing social or financial disadvantage.
On 19 November 2024, the second phase built upon this foundation, further strengthening collaboration with NGOs and deepening public understanding of best practices in the care of persons with disabilities. Participants visited the Immanuel Home of the Reformed Congregation of the Great Church of Debrecen which is an institution recognized for its high standards in supporting individuals with severe and multiple disabilities. The CFR had personally inspected the facility earlier and identified it as a valuable model for replication. A professional dialogue followed, focusing on deinstitutionalization and supported housing, with insights from respected NGOs. The gathering also served as a platform for participants to exchange expertise on innovative pedagogical and social service approaches not widely available through traditional channels.
Guided by the objectives outlined in the IOI’s regional subsidy call, the project has meaningfully contributed to broadening public access to the Ombudsman’s work by fostering direct, in-person engagement for the participants. It has also served as a valuable platform for promoting European best practices in disability rights protection, while supporting ongoing professional dialogue on key human rights issues. The initiative further enhanced the visibility of the IOI through the dissemination of printed informational materials in regional offices. The support provided by the IOI ensured the program’s inclusivity, covering essential costs such as transportation, catering, and venue-related services, and thereby enabling the active participation of a diverse range of stakeholders. The Office remains dedicated to this collaborative, people-centred approach and extends its sincere appreciation to the IOI for its invaluable support in making this initiative a reality.
Source: The Office of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights of Hungary
