Universal Periodic Review

Provide sufficient high-quality childcare places on a national level to improve the compatibility of family and career

Proponent:

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

The recent extension of the Equal Treatment Act in Austria, particularly in the context of caring activities, is a positive step. Nevertheless, precise wording is needed to ensure legal certainty. Austria has recently extended the scope of protection of the Equal Treatment Act to cover discrimination in the context of care work. This is a significant step forward, but requires clear wording in the extended § 5a to ensure clarity and legal certainty.   The missed opportunity to distribute parental leave more evenly is regrettable and contradicts the goal of gender equality. The current amendment of the law offers the opportunity to rectify shortcomings, in particular by introducing a statutory minimum compensation for cases of discrimination. Despite positive developments, however, there is still no uniform standard of protection for all those affected by discrimination. Civil society, including the Litigation Association, appeals to legislators to seriously consider the recommendations, particularly with regard to the clear wording of Section 5a, the equal distribution of parental leave and the introduction of statutory minimum compensation. A holistic view beyond the world of work and the transfer of responsibility to the Federal Equal Treatment Commission in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/1158 are crucial. These measures strengthen the protection of families and promote gender equality in Austria (see statement of the Litigation Association: https://www.klagsverband.at/klav/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Stellungnahme-Klagsverband-10.07.2023.pdf).  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).