Universal Periodic Review

Enhance its ongoing efforts on human rights education campaigns, especially that on the rights of women, children, the elderly and minorities

Proponent:

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

An open letter to the federal government from Asylkoordination Österreich calls for the expansion of youth and social work programmes as well as political education and participation. Affected people in Austria, especially young people, should be given equal and barrier-free participation in democratic processes in order to support them, especially in times of racism (Open letter, 2022: https://archiv2022.asyl.at/de/info/news/offenerbriefandiebundesregierung/index.html). The German government is called upon to take the demands formulated in the open letter seriously and to take effective measures. It is to be hoped that increased efforts will be made to create a fair and inclusive society in Austria that guarantees the equal participation of all those affected in democratic processes. Children and young people who have experienced displacement face particular challenges. Not only do they have to deal with traumatic experiences, they often also have to cope in a new, unfamiliar social environment. Asylkoordination Österreich sees a need for action here in order to give these young people a fair chance at education, political participation and social integration. At the same time, it is emphasised that existing human rights education programmes are not sufficient to fully meet the needs of these young people. They need targeted support so that they can not only integrate into society, but also actively contribute to democratic coexistence. The letter emphasises that it is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about creating real opportunities for participation that give young people a voice. Although there are already approaches and progress, such as through the United Nations World Programme for Human Rights Education, there is a clear lack of specific offers in Austria that are tailored to children and young people with a migration background. Asylkoordination Österreich is therefore calling for increased investment in programmes aimed specifically at promoting the participation and political education of these young people. Austria should intensify its campaigning work in the field of human rights education, paying particular attention to the rights of older people. In 2011, the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, in cooperation with the Federal Advisory Council on Senior Citizens, drew up a Senior Citizens‘ Plan, which was adopted by the Federal Government and the National Council in 2012 (Senior Citizens‘ Plan 2011, page 33 ff: https://www.sozialministerium.at/dam/jcr:9ff6832d-bef5-4acc-93ac-b4ad90033b09/Bundesseniorenplan-4.-Auflage-September-2013-0(1).pdf). The plan aims to improve the quality of life of older people through measures to combat poverty, promote social participation and ensure self-determination. Specific recommendations must be implemented, including increasing disposable income, promoting social networks and securing long-term care funding. The federal senior citizens‘ plan provides for campaigns to promote healthy living and remove the taboo surrounding the need for care. It is unclear whether these measures are currently being implemented. On 10 December 2004, the United Nations General Assembly launched the World Programme for Human Rights Education (2005-ongoing) to promote the implementation of human rights education programmes in all areas (infographic UN World Programme 2005: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/education/training/infographic-wphre.pdf). Austria should continue to work consistently on strengthening human rights education. This means effectively promoting and protecting the rights of all population groups, including women, children, the elderly and minorities. To this end, increased cooperation between government, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations is essential. In addition, as part of the Austrian chairmanship of the Human Security Network (2002-2003), the handbook „Understanding Human Rights“ was produced by the ETC Graz and supported by the Austrian Foreign Ministry (see handbook „Understanding Human Rights“: https://migrant-integration.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2011-01/docl_18153_933253484.pdf). It has been translated into 15 languages and includes online training materials that are used in training programmes worldwide. In 2012, an expanded English edition was published under the title „Understanding Human Rights“. In 2013, a brochure with best practice examples was published to further develop the curricula and raise awareness among the general public in order to promote a tolerant and inclusive society.