Newsletter 27 September – 3 October 2016
MAIN MATTERS
The rights of senior persons discussed on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons
- Many things, many issues and ideas grow old in this world and are subject to time pressure. Yet, dignity does not grow old, and neither does solidarity. They are always with us, they are reborn in every generation - said Commissioner for Human Rights Adam Bodnar during the inaugural session of the second term of office of the Senior Citizens Parliament [more].
The Expert Committee on Health has begun its operations
On 28 September, the first meeting of the Expert Committee on Health, operating under the auspices of the CHR, was held. Adam Bodnar invited physicians and specialists in the operation of health care system to take part in the works of the Committee [more].
THE COMMISSIONER ON CITIZENS’ ISSUES
The CHR says women’s rights during childbirth must be respected
As regards the access of patients during labour to epidural anaesthesia, there are numerous violations of the rights of pregnant women and women in labour, stated the CHR in his letter to the Minister of Health [more]. According to the letters sent to the Commissioner for Human Rights, in many cases women giving birth are asked to consent to the procedure during labour when, struggling with pain and tiredness, they are unable to consciously take such a decision [more].
The 1st regional debate on the National Preventive Mechanism
Police officers, court employees, representatives of t social welfare homes, detoxification centres, psychiatric hospitals, youth detention centres, pre-trial detention centres, prisons and the Military Police met in Katowice with the representatives of the Commissioner for Human Rights to discuss key issues concerning the rights of persons staying at facilities for persons deprived of liberty [more].
The fight against discrimination at universities is necessary
In connection with the start of the new academic year, the Commissioner appealed to representatives of universities to take action to ensure the openness to multiculturalism and diversity at universities [more].
A meeting with Zygmunt Miernik
Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights Krzysztof Olkowicz met, in a prison, with Zygmunt Miernik who is serving 10 months in prison for assaulting a judge (by throwing a layer cake at him during a court session in the proceeding against Czesław Kiszczak). Deputy Commissioner informed Mr Miernik that the CHR submitted a cassation appeal in his case [more].
What about the funds for self-assistance centres? After the meeting in Lublin, the CHR forwards an inquiry to the Ministry of Labour
At the meeting in Lublin, the Commissioner was informed about the planned reduction of funds for municipal self-assistance centres in the years to come. The Commissioner asked the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy to take a position on the issue [more].
About the Reproductive Health Programme
According to the President of the Agency for Health Technologies Assessment and Tariff System, the positive assessment of the Programme of Comprehensive Protection of Reproductive Health in Poland for 2016-2020 does not undermine the opinion issued previously with regard to the treatment of infertility by in vitro fertilization. Thus, the financing of the two programmes does not have to be viewed as alternative. This is the reply received to the CHR’s inquiry [more].
LEGISLATION
Meeting of the Expert Committee for Homelessness Prevention
The National Housing Programme was the main topic of the meeting of the Expert Committee for Homelessness Prevention. The participants discussed, among others, how to improve access to housing for persons with the lowest income [more].
Anti-terrorist training
In his reply to the inquiry of the CHR, a representative of the Ministry of Interior submitted information about the activities undertaken within the National Counterterrorism Programme for the period 2015-2019. The reply indicated, among others, the need for training for teachers on the attitudes and behaviours in situations of terrorist threats [more].
The rights of migrants seeking international protection
The website of the European Commissioner for Human Rights will publish the national ombudsmen’s position on respect for the rights and freedoms of migrants seeking international protection in Europe [more].
Rights of owners of land classified as hunting zones
The Commissioner for Human Rights has requested the Minister of Environment to take a position on the limitation of the constitutionally determined rights and freedoms of owners of land which, under relevant regulations, has been classified as hunting zones. The request has been sent as a result of citizens’ complaints received by the Commissioner for Human Rights [more].
THE CHRONICLE
Lidia Lempart awarded the Maciej Lis prize
The Chapter of the Maciej Lis Award announced that in this year’s edition, the prize goes to Lidia Lempart for her work in the field of supporting deaf children [more].
Awards for support to persons with disabilities. The 2016 edition of the Icebreakers competition
Adam Bodnar presented the award to one of the laureates during the final gala of the Icebreakers 2016 competition. The Icebreakers statuettes are awarded on annual basis to employers, institutions and organizations that ensure appropriate working conditions for disabled persons [more].
The meeting of the Visegrad Group Ombudsmen
Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights Stanisław Trociuk took part in a meeting of the Ombudsmen of the Visegrad Group (V4). The participants discussed e.g. issues related to migrant policy and living conditions in the centres for foreigners [more].
28 September 28 – the International Day for Universal Access to Information
For many years, the Commissioner for Human Rights has been working on the issue of access to public information and has actively supported citizens in the exercise of this right. More details can be found at rpo.gov.pl
The CHR’s cooperation with NGOs
Adam Bodnar, Ph.D. met with representatives of the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum of activists for human rights and democracy [more].
Adam Bodnar awarded a prize by young lawyers
We would like to thank the Commissioner for Human Rights for his cooperation throughout the year, and for his appreciation and support - said the representative of the European Law Students Association ELSA Poland in a meeting with Adam Bodnar. The representatives, on behalf of their organisation, handed over a statuette to the Commissioner [read more].
A visit of representatives of Thailand’s administrative courts
The Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights hosted a study visit by a delegation of judges of administrative courts of the Kingdom of Thailand [more].