The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union is a human rights NGO. Since our foundation in 1994, we have been working for everybody being informed about their fundamental human rights and empowered to enforce it against the undue interference by those in position of public power.
The Budapest Court of Appeal has reversed the verdict of first instance on 14 Sept, 2006, in the case of Auchan Hungary Limited versus The Clean Air Action Group. According to the decision, András Lukács, President of The Clean Air Action Group was not guilty of defamation as originally charged. András Lukács was represented by Environmental Management and Law Association (EMLA) and HCLU.
The European Committee launched the European Transparency Initiative in November, 2005. Among other organizations, HCLU also expressed its opinion and shared its comments on the green paper being released on this issue.
HCLU filed a case on 4 September against the Ministry of Finance for not releasing information on a billion HUF deficit in the budget of 2006.
A new body established 9th of May 2006 will replace the UN Commission on Human Rights. The HCLU has inquired at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the ballots cast by Hungary and the criteria taken into account at the election. As it is known the Council also consist of countries which are responsible for grave human rights violations such as Azerbaijan, China, Cuba, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia.
As from 29th August, 2006 only biometric passports accompanied with electronic chips will be issued in Hungary as well. For the time being, only a biometric photo will be stored in the passport.
HCLU and 27 civil organizations from other countries favoured the initiative.