Ombudsman nominee vows to focus on children's rights, climate protection, biodiversity

Akos Kozma, the nominee to become Hungary's next ombudsman for fundamental rights, has vowed to focus on children's rights, climate protection and biodiversity during his time in office. At his hearing before a joint session of parliament's justice and sustainable development committees on Monday, Kozma said he wanted to be "everybody's ombudsman". "We have to get out of the ivory tower," he said. Kozma identified the protection of children and people in need as his priorities. In response to a question, Kozma underlined the importance of working with civil organisations. As the ombudsman nominee, however, he declined to comment on political decisions on issues like climate change.