Kurzus nemzetközi vendég- és részidős hallgatóknak

Kar

Állam- és Jogtudományi Kar

Szervezet

ÁJTK Politikatudományi Intézet

Kód

JNX:ERASMUS:B26

Cím

Ombudsman Institutions as Elements of Protection of Human Rights and Democracy in Europe

Tervezett félév

Mindkét

Meghirdetve

2026/27/1

ECTS

5

Nyelv

en

Tantárgy tartalma

Title Ombudsman Institutions - as elements of Protection of Human Rights and Democracy in Europe Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Máté Szabó, ELTE Faculty of Law PhD. Júlia Sziklay, International Vice President of the National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information Brief description The term ombudsman originates from Sweden and is often referred to as "the people's advocate". An ombudsman is typically a public official elected or appointed by a parliament or legislative body, operating independently from other state institutions and accountable only to the body that appointed them. The primary role is to investigate citizens’ complaints about administrative actions, to ensure that citizens' rights are respected and to recommend corrective measures when violations are found. The European Ombudsman, the national ombudsman institutions and their networks in Europe are key players in ensuring the right to petition through the different channels of European administrative regime. In Hungary the institution of the ombudsman was brought to life in connection with the 1989 political changes. There are also significant differences among the powers and practices of the institutions which offers an opportunity for comparative and critical analysis. Schedule 1. Introduction: An overview of the protection of human rights and the various ombudsman institutions in Europe 2. European ombudsman institutions: their emergence, variety, functions I. 3. European ombudsman institutions: their emergence, variety, functions II. 4. The European Ombudsman 5. Cooperation and networks in Europe 6. Different ombudsman models 7.  Special ombudsmen I. 8. Special ombudsmen II. 9. The Hungarian situation 10. Case-law I. 11. Case law II. 12. Summary We would like to provide the opportunity for an on-site visit to the Hungarian institution, and also we plan to invite  relevant external experts (representatives of NGOs, ombudsman colleagues etc.) to the seminar. Materials/Recommended readings Kucsko-Stadlmayer, Gabriele (eds.): European Ombudsman Institutions. Springer. Wien-New York.2008.1-67. Matthew Groves-Anita Stuhmcke(eds.): Ombudsman in the Modern State.Hart Pub. Oxford. 2022. Linda C. Reif: Ombuds Institutions, Good Governance and the International Human Rights System. Brill/Nijhoff. 2020. Barcz (ed.): Fundamental Rights Protection in the European Union. C.H. Beck: Warszawa.2009.1-184,187-266. Moravcsik, Andrew: The Origins of Human Rights Regime. Democratic Delegation in Postwar Europa. in: International Organizations Vol. 54.No. 2. 2000 Spring, 217-252. Boyle, Kevin (ed.): New Institutions for Human Rights Protection. Oxford U.P.Oxford-New York. 2010.11-153. Keck, Margaret E.-Sikkink, Kathryn: Activists beyond Borders. Advocacy Networks in International Politics. Cornell University Press. Ithaca-London. 1998. 1-37. Fabbrini, Frederico: The European Multilevel System for the Protection of Fundamental Rights. A Neo-Federalist Perspective. Jean Monnet Working Paper series. 25/2010. Hammarberg, Thomas: Human Rights in Europe: no grounds for complacency. Council of Europe, Strasbourg, Cedex 2011. The European Ombudsman. Origins, Establishment, Evolution. Luxembourg. Office. Publication of the European Communities.2005. 58-142, 217-240. The European Ombudsman: Democratic Empowerment or democratic deficit? Tom Binder et. al.BEEU citizen D 8-9. Report.2017. The European Ombudsman Investigated-From old Battles to New Challenges.ed. Deirder Curtin et. al.  2025.provided by the European University Institute Open Access Bloomsburry collections. 2025. Fundamental Rights Agency’s publications (in particular on data protection and children’s rights) https://fra.europa.eu/en/products/search?sort_by=published_at + websites of the ombudsman institutions (in particular https://www.ajbh.hu/web/ajbh-en/ ) Assessment/Exam By the end of the seminar, students will be able to: - gain in-depth and detailed knowledge of the topic - engage in critical discussion by articulating well‑reasoned arguments, responding constructively to peers, and contributing actively to group dialogue of the topic - evaluate diverse perspectives by identifying underlying assumptions, comparing viewpoints. Active participation in every class is expected as well as carrying out regular minor researches or analyses. At the end of the seminar, a more detailed paper is required to be submitted, which is an optional assignment agreed upon with the lecturer.

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