Newsletter 27 December 2016 – 2 January 2017
MAIN MATTERS
CHR’s 2016 ranking
The Commissioner for Human Rights together with the CHR Office employees developed a ranking of problems which, in 2016, posed the greatest threats from the point of view of the respect for human rights and civil rights in our country. The Commissioner also indicated issues on which clear progress has been achieved or positive changes have been announced [more].
The identified threats included, among others, the constitutional crisis and its impact on the protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals, the introduction of legislative solutions which limit civil rights, and the presence of social exclusion and homelessness on a large scale.
The positive phenomena, in the CHR’s opinion, were: the increase of the minimum monthly salary and the minimum hourly wage which may be provided for in civil law contracts, the use by the government administration of social clauses in public procurement, and the Family 500+ programme.
„Do you have a problem with a loan in Swiss francs? Find out what you can do” – a joint information action of the CHR and the Financial Ombudsman
Starting from January 2017, the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Financial Ombudsman shall carry out a joint information action in nine Polish cities: Bydgoszcz, Częstochowa, Gdańsk, Katowice, Kielce, Lublin, Słupsk, Szczecin and Wrocław. The first meeting will be held in Wrocław on 13 January. Residents of Warsaw can seek information directly from the Financial Ombudsman. Details and dates of individual meetings are available at rpo.gov.pl
THE COMMISSIONER ON CITIZEN’S ISSUES
The CHR’s ex officio intervention in the case of a murder and attacks on foreign citizens in Ełk [more].
The case of Mr Adam: the Commissioner intervenes in the case of a disabled person’s caregiver who was refused the attendance benefit despite the Constitutional Tribunal’s judgement [more].
The case of Mr Zbigniew: the CHR’s cassation appeal regarding the refusal of compensation for the person’s wrongful conviction during the martial law period [more].
How can deaf persons call emergency services in the case of an emergency? The Commissioner writes a letter to the Minister of the Interior and Administration regarding the need to establish a relevant national system [more].
LEGISLATION
Rights of hunters vs. rights of other citizens: the CHR presents arguments relating to the hunting law [more].
The amendments to the alimony law, proposed by the government, meet the expectations of the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ombudsman for Children [more].
Roma families’ forced resettlement to the neighbouring municipality may be inconsistent with the law. This applies to several Roma families who live in an abandoned building in Limanowa. The CHR has filed an action in the case [more].
The Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ombudsman for Children inquire the Minister of Family about the campaign entitled “Responsible parents pay child support” [more].
THE CHR’S PUBLICATIONS
„A directory of helplines, aid organisations and their telephone numbers” is the newest publication issued by the CHR Office [more].
THE CHRONICLE
The Commissioner for Human Rights on a paternity leave since 27 December
Adam Bodnar used the opportunity to appeal to fathers to take paternity leaves. This is their right and the right of their children and families [more].
The Supreme Audit Office’s work plan for 2017 includes two items proposed by the CHR [more].
Representatives of demonstrators from the „Free Mr Miernik” protest town visited the CHR Office [more].
Important!
The website rpo.gov.pl contains a calendar of the upcoming meetings with the Commissioner for Human Rights and of events held under his patronage.
Information about the Commissioner’s work on cases relating to citizens’ issues is available under the “What we do” tab. An interactive map indicates cases in which the Commissioner has intervened.