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.
Progress: Success
Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict
Proponent:
French Republic
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
Austria ratified the relevant protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2002:
BGBl III Nr 92/2002 or Ratification list of the UN.
Progress: In progress
Continue to improve human rights protection and work closely with its partners
Proponent:
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
Civil society organisations are still experiencing difficulties in the area of human rights protection in Austria. Civil society organisations have expressed concerns that discrimination and human rights violations continue against certain groups such as migrants, asylum seekers or LGBTQI+ people. There is a need to protect these vulnerable groups and ensure that their rights are effectively protected. An important note is that despite some progress in the area of human rights enforcement and monitoring, problems still exist. Some non-governmental organisations have pointed out that human rights standards are not fully implemented and that certain mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing human rights need to be further strengthened;An important note is that despite some progress in the area of human rights enforcement and monitoring, problems still exist. Some non-governmental organisations have pointed out that human rights standards are not fully implemented and that certain mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing human rights need to be further strengthened.
Progress: No progress
Implement its international obligations and commitments related to migrant and refugees’ protection through specific policies and programmes
Proponent:
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
Law enforcement agencies continued to use facial recognition technologies without a clear legal basis, despite the potential discrimination against gender and ethnic minorities and the interference with the rights to privacy, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. Racial profiling by the police continued to be practised and there was a lack of effective mechanisms to investigate these practices (see Human Rights Situation in Austria 2022, Amnesty International Austria: https://www.amnesty.at/themen/menschenrechte-in-oesterreich/menschenrechtslage-in-oesterreich-2022-amnesty-jahresbericht/). Between January and August 2021, 64 Afghan nationals were deported to Afghanistan despite the risk of serious human rights violations upon their return. In August of the same year, the Austrian government refused to evacuate Afghan refugees from the Taliban and to redistribute asylum seekers from the Greek islands. In July 2021, the Provincial Administrative Court of Styria found that seven asylum seekers had been illegally returned to Slovenia. This showed that unlawful pushbacks were being systematically practised in Austria in some cases. In February 2022, the same court confirmed that an asylum seeker from Morocco had been unlawfully returned to Slovenia and pointed out the methodical application of such unlawful pushbacks. By the end of 2022, around 90,000 Ukrainian refugees had received temporary protection in Austria in accordance with the EU mass influx directives. In September 2022, the Ministry of the Interior reported that 5,140 unaccompanied minors had gone missing between January and July. Numerous NGOs and politicians are calling for the immediate allocation of guardians for unaccompanied minors as soon as they arrive, instead of waiting for admission to the asylum procedure, which often takes several months;In July 2021, the „Counter-Terrorism Package“ was passed, with concerns raised by civil society organisations and UN experts that the paragraph on „religiously motivated extremist links“ could stigmatise Muslims (see Counter-Terrorism Act – TeBG (849 d.B.): https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXVII/I/849). Law enforcement agencies continued to use facial recognition technologies without a clear legal basis, despite the potential discrimination against gender and ethnic minorities and the interference with the rights to privacy, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. Racial profiling by the police continued to be practised and there was a lack of effective mechanisms to investigate these practices (see Human Rights Situation in Austria 2022, Amnesty International Austria: https://www.amnesty.at/themen/menschenrechte-in-oesterreich/menschenrechtslage-in-oesterreich-2022-amnesty-jahresbericht/). Between January and August 2021, 64 Afghan nationals were deported to Afghanistan despite the risk of serious human rights violations upon their return. In August of the same year, the Austrian government refused to evacuate Afghan refugees from the Taliban and to redistribute asylum seekers from the Greek islands. In July 2021, the Provincial Administrative Court of Styria found that seven asylum seekers had been illegally returned to Slovenia. This showed that unlawful pushbacks were being systematically practised in Austria in some cases. In February 2022, the same court confirmed that an asylum seeker from Morocco had been unlawfully returned to Slovenia and pointed out the methodical application of such unlawful pushbacks. By the end of 2022, around 90,000 Ukrainian refugees had received temporary protection in Austria in accordance with the EU mass influx directives. In September 2022, the Ministry of the Interior reported that 5,140 unaccompanied minors had disappeared between January and July. Numerous NGOs and politicians are calling for the immediate allocation of guardians for unaccompanied minors as soon as they arrive, instead of waiting for admission to the asylum procedure, which often takes several months;
Progress: No progress
Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure
Proponent:
Czech Republic
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In February 2012, Austria signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding a communication procedure, but has not yet ratified it – in contrast to the majority of EU member states ( Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republik Österreich, BGBl III Nr.92/2002) and (United Nations Ratification List of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, May 2000). Ratification of the Optional Protocol is important to protect children’s rights and to ensure that children have an effective means of challenging violations of their rights. This has been repeatedly emphasised by civil society. Only through ratification would Austria be obliged to establish an effective complaints procedure for children and ensure that their voices are heard internationally and that their rights are protected;
Progress: No progress
Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure
Proponent:
Gabonese Republic
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In February 2012, Austria signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding a communication procedure, but has not yet ratified it – in contrast to the majority of EU member states ( Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republik Österreich, BGBl III Nr.92/2002) and (United Nations Ratification List of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, May 2000). Ratification of the Optional Protocol is important to protect children’s rights and to ensure that children have an effective means of challenging violations of their rights. This has been repeatedly emphasised by civil society. Only through ratification would Austria be obliged to establish an effective complaints procedure for children and ensure that their voices are heard internationally and that their rights are protected;
Progress: No progress
Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure
Proponent:
Federal Republic of Germany
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In February 2012, Austria signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding a communication procedure, but has not yet ratified it – in contrast to the majority of EU member states ( Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republik Österreich, BGBl III Nr.92/2002) and (United Nations Ratification List of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, May 2000). Ratification of the Optional Protocol is important to protect children’s rights and to ensure that children have an effective means of challenging violations of their rights. This has been repeatedly emphasised by civil society. Only through ratification would Austria be obliged to establish an effective complaints procedure for children and ensure that their voices are heard internationally and that their rights are protected;
Progress: No progress
Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure
Proponent:
Italian Republic
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In February 2012, Austria signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding a communication procedure, but has not yet ratified it – in contrast to the majority of EU member states ( Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republik Österreich, BGBl III Nr.92/2002) and (United Nations Ratification List of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, May 2000). Ratification of the Optional Protocol is important to protect children’s rights and to ensure that children have an effective means of challenging violations of their rights. This has been repeatedly emphasised by civil society. Only through ratification would Austria be obliged to establish an effective complaints procedure for children and ensure that their voices are heard internationally and that their rights are protected;
Progress: No progress
Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure
Proponent:
Tunisian Republic
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In February 2012, Austria signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding a communication procedure, but has not yet ratified it – in contrast to the majority of EU member states ( Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republik Österreich, BGBl III Nr.92/2002) and (United Nations Ratification List of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, May 2000). Ratification of the Optional Protocol is important to protect children’s rights and to ensure that children have an effective means of challenging violations of their rights. This has been repeatedly emphasised by civil society. Only through ratification would Austria be obliged to establish an effective complaints procedure for children and ensure that their voices are heard internationally and that their rights are protected;
Progress: No progress
Work towards ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure
Proponent:
Principality of Liechtenstein
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In February 2012, Austria signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding a communication procedure, but has not yet ratified it – in contrast to the majority of EU member states ( Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republik Österreich, BGBl III Nr.92/2002) and (United Nations Ratification List of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, May 2000). Ratification of the Optional Protocol is important to protect children’s rights and to ensure that children have an effective means of challenging violations of their rights. This has been repeatedly emphasised by civil society. Only through ratification would Austria be obliged to establish an effective complaints procedure for children and ensure that their voices are heard internationally and that their rights are protected;
Progress: No progress
Speed up efforts to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure
Proponent:
Slovak Republic
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In February 2012, Austria signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding a communication procedure, but has not yet ratified it – in contrast to the majority of EU member states ( Bundesgesetzblatt für die Republik Österreich, BGBl III Nr.92/2002) and (United Nations Ratification List of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, May 2000). Ratification of the Optional Protocol is important to protect children’s rights and to ensure that children have an effective means of challenging violations of their rights. This has been repeatedly emphasised by civil society. Only through ratification would Austria be obliged to establish an effective complaints procedure for children and ensure that their voices are heard internationally and that their rights are protected;
Progress: No progress
Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections
Proponent:
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In the 3rd cycle of the UPR, this recommendation was only taken note of. It would be desirable to adopt such recommendations in the next cycle and to consider implementing them now. There is an urgent need to apply an open and merit-based procedure to ensure the election of national candidates to the United Nations treaty bodies.
Progress: No progress
Strengthen policies and measures in the field of labor, including by considering ratifying the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189)
Proponent:
Federal Republic of Brazil
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In June 2011, Austria adopted Convention No. 189 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) regarding domestic workers. This agreement sets out an ambitious level of protection for domestic workers under labour law. However, it has not yet been fully implemented at national level. Domestic workers contribute significantly to the global economy by improving employment opportunities for workers with family responsibilities. They provide care for the elderly, children and people with disabilities and create significant income shifts within and between countries. It is crucial that Austria continues to take measures to strengthen the protection of workers, including the ratification of ILO Convention No. 189 on Domestic Workers (see RIS Convention No.189: https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/RegV/REGV_COO_2026_100_2_651606/COO_2026_100_2_653149.html).
Progress: No progress
Endorse and implement the United Nations Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
Proponent:
Republic of Indonesia
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In 2018, the Austrian government decided to withdraw from the UN migration pact. The official vote declaration to the United Nations lists a total of 17 reasons for rejecting the agreement. At the same time, the „Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration“ was adopted, an international agreement of the United Nations that aims to improve international cooperation on migration and strengthen the contribution of migrants to sustainable development. Although this pact is not legally binding, it acts as a co-operative guide to better coordinate migration at different levels – local, national, regional and global. The Austrian government could consider rejoining the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. This would not only promote international cooperation but also support a collaborative approach to more effective migration policies (see Outcome Document of the Intergovernmental Conference on the Adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration:https://www.un.org/depts/german/migration/A.CONF.231.3.pdf).
Progress: No progress
Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
Republic of Azerbaijan
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
Republic of Togo
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
Republic of Rwanda
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
Arab Republic of Egypt
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
Republic of Honduras
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
People's Republic of Bangladesh
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families
Proponent:
Republic of Indonesia
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
Republic of Senegal
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Consider the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
Republic of the Philippines
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Proponent:
Republic of Chile
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and enables individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations if their rights have been violated. Austria ratified this protocol in 1978. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and allows individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations when their rights have been violated. Austria, however, ratified this protocol in 1978 (see State Report, Concluding Observations of the Committee on wsk Rights: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:40fa2699-4b9e-450e-a246-fdf4a7dcc164/CESCR_WSK_4_de.pdf).
Progress: No progress
Undertake concrete actions towards the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
Republic of El Salvador
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Strengthen the national legislative framework, in particular by ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
Proponent:
People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members.
Progress: No progress
Ratify the International Covenant on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) of the International Labour Organization, the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and sign the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
Proponent:
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an agreement supported by the United Nations that aims to improve the legal status of migrants with worker status, seasonal and casual workers and their family members. Despite its international commitment, Austria has not yet ratified this convention (see resolution on ratification ICMW: https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXII/A/763). The discrepancy between the signing of international agreements and their actual implementation in national law raises questions and could give rise to a review and possible reassessment of these decisions. This could be an opportunity for Austria to strengthen its commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and their family members. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and enables individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations if their rights have been violated. Austria ratified this protocol in 1978. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and allows individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations when their rights have been violated. Austria, however, ratified this protocol in 1978 (see State Report, Concluding Observations of the Committee on wsk Rights: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:40fa2699-4b9e-450e-a246-fdf4a7dcc164/CESCR_WSK_4_de.pdf). In June 2011, Austria adopted Convention No. 189 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) regarding domestic workers. This agreement sets out an ambitious level of protection for domestic workers under labour law. However, it has not yet been fully implemented at national level. Domestic workers contribute significantly to the global economy by improving employment opportunities for workers with family responsibilities. They provide care for the elderly, children and people with disabilities and create significant income shifts within and between countries. It is crucial that Austria continues to take measures to strengthen the protection of workers, including the ratification of ILO Convention No. 189 on Domestic Workers (see RIS Convention No.189: https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/RegV/REGV_COO_2026_100_2_651606/COO_2026_100_2_653149.html). In 2018, the Austrian government decided to withdraw from the UN migration pact. The official vote declaration to the United Nations lists a total of 17 reasons for rejecting the agreement. At the same time, the „Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration“ was adopted, an international agreement of the United Nations that aims to improve international cooperation on migration and strengthen the contribution of migrants to sustainable development. Although this pact is not legally binding, it acts as a co-operative guide to better coordinate migration at different levels – local, national, regional and global. The Austrian government could consider rejoining the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. This would not only promote international cooperation but also support a collaborative approach to more effective migration policies (see Outcome Document of the Intergovernmental Conference on the Adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration:https://www.un.org/depts/german/migration/A.CONF.231.3.pdf).
Progress: No progress
Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Proponent:
Republic of Honduras
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and enables individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations if their rights have been violated. Austria ratified this protocol in 1978. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and allows individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations when their rights have been violated. Austria, however, ratified this protocol in 1978 (see State Report, Concluding Observations of the Committee on wsk Rights: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:40fa2699-4b9e-450e-a246-fdf4a7dcc164/CESCR_WSK_4_de.pdf).
Progress: No progress
Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Proponent:
Italian Republic
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and enables individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations if their rights have been violated. Austria ratified this protocol in 1978. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and allows individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations when their rights have been violated. Austria, however, ratified this protocol in 1978 (see State Report, Concluding Observations of the Committee on wsk Rights: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:40fa2699-4b9e-450e-a246-fdf4a7dcc164/CESCR_WSK_4_de.pdf).
Progress: No progress
Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure
Proponent:
Republic of Albania
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and enables individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations if their rights have been violated. Austria ratified this protocol in 1978. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and allows individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations when their rights have been violated. Austria, however, ratified this protocol in 1978 (see State Report, Concluding Observations of the Committee on wsk Rights: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:40fa2699-4b9e-450e-a246-fdf4a7dcc164/CESCR_WSK_4_de.pdf).
Progress: No progress
Accept the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure
Proponent:
Republic of Finland
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and enables individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations if their rights have been violated. Austria ratified this protocol in 1978. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and allows individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations when their rights have been violated. Austria, however, ratified this protocol in 1978 (see State Report, Concluding Observations of the Committee on wsk Rights: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:40fa2699-4b9e-450e-a246-fdf4a7dcc164/CESCR_WSK_4_de.pdf).
Progress: No progress
Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Proponent:
French Republic
Gabonese Republic
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and enables individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations if their rights have been violated. Austria ratified this protocol in 1978. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and allows individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations when their rights have been violated. Austria, however, ratified this protocol in 1978 (see State Report, Concluding Observations of the Committee on wsk Rights: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:40fa2699-4b9e-450e-a246-fdf4a7dcc164/CESCR_WSK_4_de.pdf).
Progress: No progress
Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Proponent:
Republic of El Salvador
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and enables individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations if their rights have been violated. Austria ratified this protocol in 1978. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and allows individuals and groups to submit complaints to the United Nations when their rights have been violated. Austria, however, ratified this protocol in 1978 (see State Report, Concluding Observations of the Committee on wsk Rights: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:40fa2699-4b9e-450e-a246-fdf4a7dcc164/CESCR_WSK_4_de.pdf).
Progress: No progress
Ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) of the International Labour Organization
Proponent:
Republic of Namibia
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
In 2019, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work was adopted at the International Labour Conference (Resolution Austria 2024). This Convention provides a common framework aimed at preventing, eliminating and remedying violence and harassment, including gender-based incidents in the world of work. It marks the first time in international law that the right of all to a world of work free from violence and harassment is explicitly recognised. It not only recognises the right, but also the obligation to respect, promote and realise this right. The Convention also defines the concept of violence and harassment in the world of work at international level. Austria was actively involved in the development of Convention 190, but the country has not yet ratified the convention. Although the Convention has been in place since 2019, the Austrian government, in particular the Family and Women’s Affairs and Labour and Social Affairs ministries, has not yet seen the need for rapid implementation. This is despite the fact that current figures from 2022 show that the global rate of those affected remains high. The women’s rights organisation WIDE and its 21 member organisations are vehemently calling for the ratification of ILO Convention 190 and are campaigning for European countries, including Austria, to take a pioneering role in this process. The convention, which for the first time recognises the right of all people to a working environment free from violence and harassment, has been in force since 25 June 2021. The Austrian federal government’s responses to corresponding enquiries indicate that there are still concerns and discussions within the EU. An opinion from the Council Legal Service is still pending, and ratification appears to have been delayed due to legal uncertainties and possible effects on other areas (see reply letter from Federal Minister Martin Kocher (Federal Ministry of Labour) and Federal Minister Susanne Raab (Federal Chancellery, Women) on ILO-C190 (2 May 2022)): https://wide-netzwerk.at/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Antwort-BM-Kocher-und-BM-Raab-ILO-190.pdf). WIDE and 21 other member organisations emphasise the urgency of ratifying and implementing Convention 190 in order to effectively combat violence and harassment in the world of work, especially gender-specific assaults. It is pointed out that Austria, despite its active participation in the drafting of the convention, is not yet one of the ratifying states (see statement: https://wide-netzwerk.at/recht-auf-arbeit-frei-von-belaestigung-und-gewalt/).
Progress: No progress
Accede to the International Convention Against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries
Proponent:
Republic of Armenia
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
The International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries is an international agreement that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 4 December 1989. It entered into force on 20 October 2001. Austria has not ratified the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries (UN Mercenaries Convention). To date, 37 states have ratified the Convention, but Austria is not among the countries that have ratified or signed it.
Progress: No progress
Ratify the Protocol 12 to the European Convention on Human Rights, in order to ensure the effective prohibition of discrimination
Proponent:
Kingdom of Spain
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
On 4 November 2000, Protocol No. 12 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was adopted and entered into force on 1 April 2005. The Protocol establishes a comprehensive prohibition of discrimination, ensuring that everyone has the right to the full enjoyment of all rights set out in law without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status. The ratification of Protocol No. 12 by Austria would mean that the country undertakes to enforce and promote the prohibition of discrimination in all areas of public life. Austria would thus take an important step towards strengthening human rights and equal treatment in society (see Protocol No. 12: https://www.menschenrechtskonvention.eu/protokoll-nr-12-emrk-9277/).
Progress: No progress
Adopt a national action plan on business and human rights in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on that issue
Proponent:
Swiss Confederation
Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):
Regrettably, however, there is no National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights in line with the UN Guiding Principles. The implementation of such a plan has so far failed to materialise. In 2016, the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights published the final Guidelines for National Action Plans, which are the result of an open, global consultation process involving states, businesses, civil society, national human rights institutions and academia. These guidelines build on the Working Group’s 2014 report to the UN General Assembly on National Action Plans (see Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, 2014: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/blob/266624/b51c16faf1b3424d7efa060e8aaa8130/un-leitprinzipien-de-data.pdf). The Working Group has engaged intensively with governments on this topic, both through a survey in 2014 and through an online consultation on the content elements of a National Action Plan. The UN Working Group encourages all states to develop, adopt and regularly update a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. This plan is central to the dissemination and implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The responsibility to introduce such plans lies within the scope of states‘ obligations in relation to the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Unfortunately, such initiatives have not yet taken place in Austria and implementation remains outstanding. This raises important questions about the prioritisation and implementation of these fundamental measures aimed at protecting and promoting human rights in the context of business activities;
Redaktionelle Verantwortung UPR-Tool:
Österreichische Liga für Menschenrechte, upr@liga.or.at
Lizenz CC-BY-SA
Unterstützung durch:
Forschungskooperation mit der Volksanwaltschaft
Förderung des Zukunftsfonds der Republik Österreich
