Universal Periodic Review

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.


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Progress: In progress

Ensure the thorough investigation of human trafficking cases and the prosecution of perpetrators to justice

Proponent:

Cyprus


Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus


Republic of Cyprus

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

With regard to measures to combat human trafficking, including child trafficking, the Federal Government has set extensive goals in the areas of prevention, victim protection, prosecution and monitoring in its National Action Plan 2021-2023. However, challenges remain, for example, in the identification of trafficked persons in the area of labour exploitation, in the security of residence for trafficked persons and in measures against child trafficking. Austria has clear provisions against human trafficking in its criminal law, including criminal sanctions of up to ten years for serious cases. Nevertheless, law enforcement should be further strengthened and it should be ensured that perpetrators are effectively prosecuted and convicted, while victim protection and access to legal assistance are improved. 

Progress: In progress

Ensure that cases of human trafficking continue to be investigated, perpetrators are brought to justice, and the victims are adequately compensated

Proponent:

Greece


Hellenic Republic

Greece


Hellenic Republic

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

With regard to measures to combat human trafficking, including child trafficking, the Federal Government has set extensive goals in the areas of prevention, victim protection, prosecution and monitoring in its National Action Plan 2021-2023. However, challenges remain, for example, in the identification of trafficked persons in the area of labour exploitation, in the security of residence for trafficked persons and in measures against child trafficking. Austria has clear provisions against human trafficking in its criminal law, including criminal sanctions of up to ten years for serious cases. Nevertheless, law enforcement should be further strengthened and it should be ensured that perpetrators are effectively prosecuted and convicted, while victim protection and access to legal assistance are improved. 

Progress: In progress

Strengthen efforts to thoroughly investigate all cases of human trafficking and ensure victim’s access to justice and remedies

Proponent:

Liechtenstein


Principality of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein


Principality of Liechtenstein

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

Austria has clear provisions against human trafficking in its criminal law, including criminal sanctions of up to ten years for serious cases. Nevertheless, law enforcement should be further strengthened and it should be ensured that perpetrators are effectively prosecuted and convicted, while victim protection and access to legal assistance are improved. Despite existing measures, the situation regarding the protection of victims of human trafficking in Austria remains critical. Although there are specialised aid organisations such as LEFÖ-IBF, many victims are often not identified in time, which makes access to protection and support more difficult. Co-operation with the authorities is a particular hurdle for victims, as residence permits are often dependent on their willingness to co-operate. This can put victims in an insecure situation, especially if they are afraid of reprisals or deportation. The fight against child trafficking and sexual exploitation is also problematic, as there is still a lack of sufficient data collection and targeted measures.
  As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government intends to follow up on the recommendation to take effective measures against human trafficking and to sustainably strengthen victim protection for refugees (see Government Plan 2025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html).
Austria should take measures to ensure effective compensation for victims of human trafficking. This includes greater cooperation with international organisations and non-governmental organisations in order to raise awareness of the problem and provide better support for trafficked persons. Legal frameworks should be reviewed and improved in order to strengthen the rights of victims and give them access to appropriate compensation. In addition, targeted sensitisation of law enforcement agencies and social services is necessary to effectively protect and support victims;Austria has a specialised task force to combat human trafficking, which works closely with various authorities and NGOs to give trafficked persons access to their rights. The task force is committed to improving the identification of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators. There are specialised institutions such as LEFÖ-IBF and MEN VIA, which offer comprehensive support for women and men. Victims receive legal counselling and court support. The police have specialised units that deal with cases of human trafficking and can be contacted via a hotline. Austria should continue to work on improving access to legal protection for all victims of human trafficking by strengthening cooperation between authorities and victim protection organisations and ensuring that the legal framework is implemented efficiently;

Progress: In progress

Enhance ongoing measures to combat trafficking in persons and exploitation of children and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice

Proponent:

Myanmar


Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Myanmar


Republic of the Union of Myanmar

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

With regard to measures to combat human trafficking, including child trafficking, the Federal Government has set extensive goals in the areas of prevention, victim protection, prosecution and monitoring in its National Action Plan 2021-2023. However, challenges remain, for example, in the identification of trafficked persons in the area of labour exploitation, in the security of residence for trafficked persons and in measures against child trafficking. Austria has clear provisions against human trafficking in its criminal law, including criminal sanctions of up to ten years for serious cases. Nevertheless, law enforcement should be further strengthened and it should be ensured that perpetrators are effectively prosecuted and convicted, while victim protection and access to legal assistance are improved. 

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

 

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