Universal Periodic Review

Adopt a new national action plan to prevent gender-based violence against women that includes improved data collection on gender-based violence and femicide

Proponent:

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

With the National Action Plan for the Protection of Women against Violence 2014-2016, measures were taken throughout Austria to implement the requirements of the Istanbul Convention against Violence against Women (see National Action Plan 2014-2016 as PDF: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/dam/jcr:1f95e551-0e17-4d67-8090-b7bced3f4947/nap.pdf). However, the National Action Plan has now expired without replacement. Despite the fact that Austria has ratified the Convention, there is a lack of implementation and improvement of further measures, including due diligence in victim protection and, in particular, improved cooperation with civil society.   In August 2023, the ACA published the report „Violence and Victim Protection for Women“, which identifies potential for the effective protection of women affected by violence. The ACA also 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). A National Action Plan for the Protection of Women against Violence 2014-2016 with 60 measures has been drawn up, but no further action plan is planned (National Action Plan for the Protection of Women against Violence 2014-2016 on the website of the National Coordination Centre for the Protection of Women against Violence: https://www.coordination-vaw.gv.at/koordinierung/nap.html).  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).