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This UPR tool reflects the global recommendations made to Austria by all countries world-wide during the Universial Priodic Review process (UPR) at the UN Human Rights Council and their current status of implementation. The League coordinates a significant part of Austrian civil society in the UPR process. 

The recommendations can be filtered in the menu below by human rights topics, SDGs, proponent states etc. also a search function is available. 

 

We welcome your comments and suggestions at upr@liga.or.at.

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Progress: No progress

Further strengthen measures to promote equality between women and men, in particular regarding equal pay and the participation of women on the boards and in the chief executive offices of companies

Proponent:

France


French Republic

France


French Republic

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):

There is still a significant pay gap between women and men in Austria. According to recent studies, women in Austria earn on average 18.8 per cent less than men, and this difference exists regardless of educational and professional qualifications (Statistik Austria, 2021: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/bevoelkerung-und-soziales/gender-statistiken/einkommen). According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have up to 3 years to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees (more information on this: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/themen/europa-aktuell/2023/04/gender-pay-gap-rat-der-eu-nimmt-neue-vorschriften-zur-lohntransparenz-an.html). In Austria, corresponding legislation has not yet been passed. The labour force participation rate for women is also still lower than for men (in 2022 70% compared to 78%, Statistics Austria: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/arbeitsmarkt/erwerbstaetigkeit/erwerbstaetige-merkmale). Women continue to be underrepresented not only in companies, but also in political decision-making positions at state and municipal level. Despite some progress, there are still considerable problems with regard to the pay gap and the number of women in decision-making positions. The pay gap between women and men remains high. Women are underrepresented not only in companies, but also in political decision-making positions at provincial and municipal level. According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have until June 2026 to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees. The exact implementation of the directive is not yet known (further information on this: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/themen/europa-aktuell/2023/04/gender-pay-gap-rat-der-eu-nimmt-neue-vorschriften-zur-lohntransparenz-an.html). 

Progress: No progress

Enhance efforts to reduce the high wage gap by enforcing the principle of gender equality

Proponent:

Slovenia


Republic of Slovenia

Slovenia


Republic of Slovenia

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):

There is still a significant pay gap between women and men in Austria. According to recent studies, women in Austria earn on average 18.8 per cent less than men, and this difference exists regardless of educational and professional qualifications (Statistik Austria, 2021: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/bevoelkerung-und-soziales/gender-statistiken/einkommen). According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have up to 3 years to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees (more information on this: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/themen/europa-aktuell/2023/04/gender-pay-gap-rat-der-eu-nimmt-neue-vorschriften-zur-lohntransparenz-an.html). In Austria, corresponding legislation has not yet been passed. The labour force participation rate for women is also still lower than for men (in 2022 70% compared to 78%, Statistics Austria: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/arbeitsmarkt/erwerbstaetigkeit/erwerbstaetige-merkmale). 

Progress: In progress

Strengthen policies to promote gender equality, increase women’s participation in the political sphere, and eliminate the wage gap

Proponent:

Ecuador


Republic of Ecuador

Ecuador


Republic of Ecuador

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):

There is still a significant pay gap between women and men in Austria. According to recent studies, women in Austria earn on average 18.8 per cent less than men, and this difference exists regardless of educational and professional qualifications (Statistik Austria, 2021: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/bevoelkerung-und-soziales/gender-statistiken/einkommen). According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have up to 3 years to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees (more information on this: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/themen/europa-aktuell/2023/04/gender-pay-gap-rat-der-eu-nimmt-neue-vorschriften-zur-lohntransparenz-an.html). In Austria, corresponding legislation has not yet been passed. The labour force participation rate for women is also still lower than for men (in 2022 70% compared to 78%, Statistics Austria: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/arbeitsmarkt/erwerbstaetigkeit/erwerbstaetige-merkmale). According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have until June 2026 to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees. The exact implementation of the directive is not yet known (further information on this: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/themen/europa-aktuell/2023/04/gender-pay-gap-rat-der-eu-nimmt-neue-vorschriften-zur-lohntransparenz-an.html). Since the non-partisan expert government of 2019 with Austria’s first female Federal Chancellor, a largely balanced gender ratio of federal ministers and state secretaries has been established, although in recent years this has gradually tilted back towards a male majority. The proportion of women in parliament has also risen steadily in recent decades, most recently reaching around 40%. As there are no legal requirements for the creation of electoral lists or the allocation of mandates in this respect, there is a significant difference between the political parties. Gender parity of 50% is only reached or exceeded in the Green, Neos and SPÖ parties. The ÖVP and FPÖ are below parity, with the latter party only achieving a female quota of 17%. At provincial level, the gender ratio in both governments and provincial parliaments lags behind the federal level. There is an extreme imbalance at municipal level, where there are only around 10% female mayors. This ratio is roughly the same across all parties.   Measures taken by the federal government in 2022 include the establishment of an „Austrian Fund for the Empowerment and Advancement of Women and Girls“, which operates the „LEA – Let’s Empower Austria“ project (website https://letsempoweraustria.at/), as well as the „Girls in Politics“ project, which enables girls and young women to accompany mayors at work in individual municipalities (information on the BKA website: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/agenda/frauen-und-gleichstellung/gleichstellung-am-arbeitsmarkt/girls-in-politics.html. An evaluation of the projects is still pending. A report by the Women’s Section of the Federal Chancellery from 2022 provides a statistical basis for taking stock of the participation of women in political decision-making positions (as a PDF Further information is available at the following link: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:c1f8eb6d-b56e-480a-9463-38273dc136d6/frauen_in_polit_entscheidungspositionen_2022.pdf). 

Progress: No progress

Work to combat discrimination against women and improve access for persons with disabilities in the workplace

Proponent:

USA


United States of America

USA


United States of America

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):

With this in mind, in August 2023 the ACA also published the report „Violence and Victim Protection for Women“, which highlights the potential for effective protection of women affected by violence. The ACA highlights shortcomings in strategic planning and recommends a coordinated joint strategy between the federal ministries and the federal states (Gewalt- und Opferschutz für Frauen, BUND 2023/21: https://www.rechnungshof.gv.at/rh/home/home/2023_21_Gewalt_und_Opferschutz_Frauen.pdf). An important civil society initiative in this area is the Neighbourhoods Without Partner Violence Initiative („StoP Partner Violence“) with the participation of the umbrella organisation Autonomous Austrian Women’s Shelters (for the initiative, see https://stop-partnergewalt.at/). The Austrian women’s organisations point out that violence against women, including femicide and domestic violence, is still reaching alarming proportions. In this critical situation, political, legal and financial measures that go beyond current measures are needed to effectively combat violence against women. In Austria, there is a distinction between people who are fit for work and those who are not. The ability or inability to work is determined exclusively on the basis of medical criteria, often directly after school. The federal states are responsible for people who are not fit for work, while the federal government is responsible for people who are fit for work. Hardly any measures have been taken with regard to the group of people who are unable to work. These people continue to work in day labour and employment structures, but do not receive a wage and have no independent social insurance (with the exception of accident insurance). This leads to increased poverty in old age and there is no data on the transition to the regular labour market. There are no nationwide uniform measures to make this possible and the planned measures in the National Action Plan 2022-2030 have not yet been implemented (see National Action Plan on Disability available on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs: https://www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Soziales/Menschen-mit-Behinderungen/Nationaler-Aktionsplan-Behinderung.html). Support services for people who are able to work are largely linked to a certain degree of disability (GdB), which means that people who do not have a degree of disability (GdB) determined by the state are excluded from corresponding support measures. The measures offered by the Public Employment Service (AMS) are not fully accessible to people with disabilities. As a result, unemployed people with disabilities are less likely to take part in AMS training programmes than unemployed people without disabilities.    There are only a few measures to combat gender-specific employment imbalances and wage gaps, apart from higher wage cost support for women with disabilities as part of the „Inclusion Support Plus“ programme (Inklusionsförderung/InklusionsförderungPlus: https://www.wko.at/service/arbeitsrecht-sozialrecht/inklusionsfoerderung-inklusionsfoerderungplus.html). There are no specific labour market policy measures for women with disabilities (wage subsidies: Website of the Social Ministry Service: https://www.sozialministeriumservice.at/Finanzielles/Foerderungen/Lohnfoerderungen/Lohnfoerderungen.de.html). 

Progress: In progress

Pursue policies to strengthen the promotion and protection of the rights of women, notably those who are minorities, immigrants and refugees

Proponent:

Barbados


Barbados

Barbados


Barbados

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):

According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have until June 2026 to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees. The exact implementation of the directive is not yet known (further information on this: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/themen/europa-aktuell/2023/04/gender-pay-gap-rat-der-eu-nimmt-neue-vorschriften-zur-lohntransparenz-an.html). The 2021 violence protection package aims to protect women at risk and improve the financial framework. Among other things, preventative measures and awareness-raising are to be emphasised more strongly (see https://bmi.gv.at/magazin/2022_01_02/Gewaltschutz.aspx). Nevertheless, the financial resources still appear insufficient. There is also a lack of support for single parents and further training for professional groups who work with affected women and children. In this context, the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs‘ „PERSPECTIVE WORK“ project, which deals with gender equality and the prevention of violence against women in the workplace, is of interest (see the Ministry of Social Affairs‘ website: https://www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Soziales/Soziale-Themen/Geschlechtergleichstellung/PERSPEKTIVE-ARBEIT.html). 

Progress: No progress

Counter all forms of discrimination against women and girls with disabilities

Proponent:

Jordan


Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Jordan


Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):

No measures have been taken to prevent multiple and/or intersectional discrimination against women and girls with disabilities. There is still a lack of adequate consideration of the gender perspective in disability legislation, the disability perspective in women’s legislation, and the related enforcement of laws. The Ombud for Equal Treatment (website:https://www.gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft.gv.at), a state institution at the Federal Chancellery (BKA), is responsible for all grounds of discrimination except disability. However, women with disabilities must contact the Social Ministry Service (website: https://www.gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft.gv.at) and apply for conciliation. This conciliation procedure is mandatory and must be carried out before a lawsuit is filed with the civil court. The problem is that the Social Ministry Service has no specific expertise in dealing with women with disabilities and is also not trained in a gender-equitable approach;

Progress: In progress

Redouble efforts to eliminate all kinds of violence and discrimination against women and girls, regardless of their migratory status

Proponent:

Brazil


Federal Republic of Brazil

Brazil


Federal Republic of Brazil

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Apr 1, 2025):

With this in mind, in August 2023 the ACA also published the report „Violence and Victim Protection for Women“, which highlights the potential for effective protection of women affected by violence. The ACA highlights shortcomings in strategic planning and recommends a coordinated joint strategy between the federal ministries and the federal states (Gewalt- und Opferschutz für Frauen, BUND 2023/21: https://www.rechnungshof.gv.at/rh/home/home/2023_21_Gewalt_und_Opferschutz_Frauen.pdf). An important civil society initiative in this area is the Neighbourhoods Without Partner Violence Initiative („StoP Partner Violence“) with the participation of the umbrella organisation Autonomous Austrian Women’s Shelters (for the initiative, see https://stop-partnergewalt.at/). The Austrian women’s organisations point out that violence against women, including femicide and domestic violence, is still reaching alarming proportions. In this critical situation, political, legal and financial measures that go beyond current measures are needed to effectively combat violence against women. The 2021 violence protection package aims to protect women at risk and improve the financial framework. Among other things, preventative measures and awareness-raising are to be emphasised more strongly (see https://bmi.gv.at/magazin/2022_01_02/Gewaltschutz.aspx). Nevertheless, the financial resources still appear insufficient. There is also a lack of support for single parents and further training for professional groups who work with affected women and children. In this context, the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs‘ „PERSPECTIVE WORK“ project, which deals with gender equality and the prevention of violence against women in the workplace, is of interest (see the Ministry of Social Affairs‘ website: https://www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Soziales/Soziale-Themen/Geschlechtergleichstellung/PERSPEKTIVE-ARBEIT.html). Austria therefore lacks a comprehensive, long-term strategy to protect women from violence, although responsibility is shared between the federal and state governments. The provinces fund women’s shelters and counselling centres in particular, while the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the Federal Chancellery are active at federal level. The Austrian women’s organisations point out that violence against women, including femicide and domestic violence, is still reaching alarming proportions. In this critical situation, political, legal and financial measures that go beyond the current measures are required to effectively combat violence against women.   As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government is pursuing this goal through close cooperation with all stakeholders (see Government Plan 2ß025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html).

Progress: In progress

Take necessary legislative and administrative measures to protect children and women against domestic violence

Proponent:

Iran


Islamic Republic of Iran

Iran


Islamic Republic of Iran

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Apr 1, 2025):

Statistics show that a significant proportion of women are affected by domestic violence. In 2023, the police in Austria recorded several thousand cases of domestic violence, with women being victims disproportionately often (see report with figures on femicides and violence against women in Austria, Gewaltinfo 2022: https://www.gewaltinfo.at/themen/gewalt-an-frauen/femizide-und-gewalt-gegen-frauen-in-oesterreich.html). In order to raise awareness of domestic violence and promote prevention, regular campaigns and educational programmes are carried out. The Violence Protection Summit and other events promote the exchange of best practices and the networking of experts in the field of violence protection. Many cases of domestic violence go unreported and the number of unreported cases is high. Organisations such as the AÖF association and the Alliance Living Free of Violence are therefore calling for a further increase in funding for gender equality and violence prevention work as well as the comprehensive implementation of the Istanbul Convention.   As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government is pursuing this goal through close cooperation with all stakeholders (see Government Plan 2ß025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html).

Progress: In progress

Proponent:

Vietnam


Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Vietnam


Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Apr 1, 2025):

On 31 January 2023, the National Council decided to develop a package of measures for child protection. The plan is to develop initiatives to promote the protection of children and young people through the implementation of concepts and training for professionals, the strengthening of sexual offences and the creation of prevention exceptions for perpetrators (Nationalratssitzung zum Kinderschutz-
195th session of the National Council of 31 January 2023 (195/NRSITZ): https://www.parlament.gv.at/aktuelles/pk/jahr_2023/pk0084#XXVII_NRSITZ_00195). Child protection organisations such as the Austrian Ombuds Offices for Children and Youths, Austrian Child Protection Centres, NC Kinderrechte, ECPAT Austria and Netzwerk Kinderrechte consider the package of measures on child protection to be progress in the right direction. However, it requires further steps, especially implementation, in order to see a real change in the protection of children and young people
(Position paper of the Children’s Rights Network: https://www.kinderhabenrechte.at/positionspapier-kinderschutzpaket-fuer-den-ausserfamiliaeren-kinderschutz/<).
  In the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government commits to the goal of effectively combating child poverty and sustainably improving equal opportunities for all children and young people in Austria (see Government Plan 2025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html).

Progress: No progress

Develop a comprehensive strategy and an implementation plan to protect children from violence

Proponent:

Zambia


Republic of Zambia

Zambia


Republic of Zambia

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Apr 1, 2025):

On 31 January 2023, the National Council decided to develop a package of measures for child protection. The plan is to develop initiatives to promote the protection of children and young people by implementing concepts and training for professionals, strengthening sexual offences and creating prevention exceptions for perpetrators (National Council meeting on child protection – 195th session of the National Council on 31 January 2023 (195/NRSITZ): https://www.parlament.gv.at/aktuelles/pk/jahr_2023/pk0084#XXVII_NRSITZ_00195). The child protection organisations, such as the Austrian Ombuds Offices for Children and Youths, Austrian Child Protection Centres, NC Kinderrechte, ECPAT Austria and Netzwerk Kinderrechte, believe that the package of measures for child protection is progress in the right direction. However, it requires further steps, especially implementation, in order to see a real change in the protection of children and young people (position paper of the Children’s Rights Network: https://www.kinderhabenrechte.at/positionspapier-kinderschutzpaket-fuer-den-ausserfamiliaeren-kinderschutz/<).
  As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government is launching a process to improve child and youth welfare, harmonise standards and provide funding for cross-sectoral projects (see Government Plan 2025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html).

Progress: In progress

Proponent:

Morocco


Kingdom of Morocco

Morocco


Kingdom of Morocco

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Apr 1, 2025):

On 31 January 2023, the National Council decided to develop a package of measures for child protection. The plan is to develop initiatives to promote the protection of children and young people by implementing concepts and training for professionals, strengthening sexual offences and creating prevention exceptions for perpetrators (National Council meeting on child protection – 195th session of the National Council on 31 January 2023 (195/NRSITZ): https://www.parlament.gv.at/aktuelles/pk/jahr_2023/pk0084#XXVII_NRSITZ_00195). The child protection organisations, such as the Austrian Ombuds Offices for Children and Youths, Austrian Child Protection Centres, NC Kinderrechte, ECPAT Austria and Netzwerk Kinderrechte, believe that the package of measures for child protection is progress in the right direction. However, it requires further steps, especially implementation, in order to see a real change in the protection of children and young people (position paper of the Children’s Rights Network: https://www.kinderhabenrechte.at/positionspapier-kinderschutzpaket-fuer-den-ausserfamiliaeren-kinderschutz/<).
  As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government is launching a process to improve child and youth welfare, harmonise standards and provide funding for cross-sectoral projects (see Government Plan 2025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html). According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have until June 2026 to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees. The exact implementation of the directive is not yet known (further information on this: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/themen/europa-aktuell/2023/04/gender-pay-gap-rat-der-eu-nimmt-neue-vorschriften-zur-lohntransparenz-an.html). On 31 January 2023, the National Council decided to develop a package of measures for child protection. The plan is to develop initiatives to promote the protection of children and young people through the implementation of concepts and training for professionals, the strengthening of sexual offences and the creation of prevention exceptions for perpetrators (Nationalratssitzung zum Kinderschutz-
195th session of the National Council of 31 January 2023 (195/NRSITZ): https://www.parlament.gv.at/aktuelles/pk/jahr_2023/pk0084#XXVII_NRSITZ_00195). Child protection organisations such as the Austrian Ombuds Offices for Children and Youths, Austrian Child Protection Centres, NC Kinderrechte, ECPAT Austria and Netzwerk Kinderrechte consider the package of measures on child protection to be progress in the right direction. However, it requires further steps, especially implementation, in order to see a real change in the protection of children and young people
(Position paper of the Children’s Rights Network: https://www.kinderhabenrechte.at/positionspapier-kinderschutzpaket-fuer-den-ausserfamiliaeren-kinderschutz/<).
  In the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government commits to the goal of effectively combating child poverty and sustainably improving equal opportunities for all children and young people in Austria (see Government Plan 2025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html).

Progress: No progress

Continue to advocate against corporal punishment by making all parts of the population aware of the legal abolition of such practices

Proponent:

Liechtenstein


Principality of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein


Principality of Liechtenstein

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):

On 31 January 2023, the National Council decided to develop a package of measures for child protection. The plan is to develop initiatives to promote the protection of children and young people through the implementation of concepts and training for professionals, the strengthening of sexual offences and the creation of prevention exceptions for perpetrators (Nationalratssitzung zum Kinderschutz-
195th session of the National Council of 31 January 2023 (195/NRSITZ): https://www.parlament.gv.at/aktuelles/pk/jahr_2023/pk0084#XXVII_NRSITZ_00195). On the part of child protection organisations such as the Austrian Ombuds Offices for Children and Youths, Austrian Child Protection Centres, NC Kinderrechte, ECPAT Austria and Netzwerk Kinderrechte, the package of measures on child protection is progress in the right direction. However, it requires further steps, especially implementation, in order to see a real change in the protection of children and young people
(Position paper Children’s Rights Network: https://www.kinderhabenrechte.at/positionspapier-kinderschutzpaket-fuer-den-ausserfamiliaeren-kinderschutz/<). 

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