Universal Periodic Review

Create a new National Action Plan „Protection against Violence for Women“ which also considers women with disabilities, precarious residence permits and asylum seekers and women with mental illness

Proponent:

Netherlands

Kingdom of the Netherlands

Netherlands

Kingdom of the Netherlands

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).

Strengthen measures to address unreported cases of femicides and domestic violence against women, hate crimes against migrants, refugees and asylum-seeking women and girls

Proponent:

Myanmar

Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Myanmar

Republic of the Union of Myanmar

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

The Austrian government has ensured the funding of violence protection centres and supported the expansion of shelters and transitional housing. The budget for women’s and girls‘ advice centres was increased by 67 per cent to 13.6 million euros (see Measures Report BMI, 2023: https://www.bmi.gv.at/news.aspx?id=754742316C7558786E42413D). Another focus is on the nationwide introduction of violence outpatient clinics, which provide victims with free examinations regardless of the procedure. These outpatient clinics are intended to improve the documentation of injuries and thus increase the conviction rate in cases of domestic violence. In addition, cooperation between various ministries and departments is being continuously strengthened and regular violence protection summits are held to promote the exchange of best practices and networking between experts. Measures have also been introduced to better recognise and document violence and to raise awareness of the „silent emergency call“. Despite this progress, there are still gaps in the protection against violence, particularly in the area of conviction rates and research into unreported cases. Organisations such as the association AÖF and the Alliance Gewaltfrei leben are therefore calling for a further increase in the budget for gender equality and violence prevention work in order to achieve real equality and a significant reduction in violence against women in the long term. 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). There continue to be concerns about the effectiveness of measures in Austria to combat hate crimes against migrant women. The latest data on hate crimes against women and hate crimes against migrant women in Austria show an alarming increase in reported cases in 2022 compared to the previous year. Despite a higher detection rate, many of these crimes remain unsolved. Of particular concern is the increase in offences based on ideology, national/ethnic origin and religion. Despite this, there is a lack of specific measures to prevent and support migrant women affected, and barriers to data collection and dark field research remain. Policymakers are called upon to develop and implement more effective strategies and a national action plan to combat hate crime.

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