Universal Periodic Review

Continue efforts in supporting persons with disabilities, by ensuring their accessibility to the labour market and social welfare benefits

Proponent:

Cyprus

Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus

Republic of Cyprus

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

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).

Study, in close consultation with stakeholders, the possibility of a universal basic income

Proponent:

Haiti

Republic of Haiti

Haiti

Republic of Haiti

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

In May 2022, a referendum for the implementation of an unconditional basic income (UBI) in Austria was presented. It envisages that all persons with their main residence in Austria would receive a monthly state payment without having to provide anything in return. This is intended to enable a dignified existence and genuine participation in society. Despite the support of 168,981 people and a final hearing in the National Council, parties such as the ÖVP, FPÖ, SPÖ and Neos are sceptical about the introduction of the Unconditional Basic Income (see Parliamentary Correspondence No. 99 of 01.02.2023: https://www.parlament.gv.at/aktuelles/pk/jahr_2023/pk0099#XXVII_I_01628). The unconditional basic income (UBI) is a financial benefit that is paid unconditionally and regularly to every citizen. The amount should be high enough to ensure an appropriate lifestyle and participation in social life. Contrary to the assumption that the unconditional basic income would abolish the welfare state, it is argued that it should rather develop it further. Those in favour see an unconditional basic income as a way of giving people the freedom they need to react flexibly to current and future economic, social and ecological challenges. In various welfare states, including Austria, there are regular debates about the extent to which it would make sense to replace existing social benefits with an unconditional basic income. Those in favour argue that this could reduce social inequality and poverty, strengthen social cohesion, increase enjoyment of life and motivation to work and reduce existential fears. However, critics fear a lack of accuracy, the risk of a passive mentality and a return to traditional gender roles. The financial viability of the programme is also questioned. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) expresses concerns about the introduction of an unconditional basic income. In their opinion, it would only exempt those who do not want to work, while the others would be affected by an excessive tax burden. The risk of national bankruptcy is mentioned as a possible consequence. The low level of support from the population, as with a referendum, is seen as an indication of the rejection of such a project (see WKÖ statement: https://www.wko.at/oe/news/bedingungsloses-grundeinkommen). Die Zukunft takes a differentiated view on the introduction of an unconditional basic income. A possible implementation is considered sensible as long as it does not lead to the destruction or liberalisation of the social and welfare state. The potential creation of a social democracy is emphasised, which would have a direct impact on citizens‘ wallets (see article: https://diezukunft.at/editorial-zukunft-11-2023-bedingungsloses-grundeinkommen-von-alessandro-barberi-und-roland-pagani/). Various organisations such as the Civil Society Initiative, the UBI Association, the Peace Academy, KSOE, Active Unemployed and the Economy for the Common Good argue in favour of an unconditional basic income from different perspectives. They emphasise security, freedom, the end of poverty and the unconditionality of the UBI as a civil right that enables people to shape their lives without undignified social bureaucracy (see demands: https://www.volksbegehren-grundeinkommen.at/).

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