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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

Pursue policies to strengthen the promotion and protection of the rights of women, notably those who are minorities, immigrants and refugees

Proponent:

Barbados


Barbados

Barbados


Barbados

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

According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have until June 2026 to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees. The exact implementation of the directive is not yet known (further information on this: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/themen/europa-aktuell/2023/04/gender-pay-gap-rat-der-eu-nimmt-neue-vorschriften-zur-lohntransparenz-an.html). The 2021 violence protection package aims to protect women at risk and improve the financial framework. Among other things, preventative measures and awareness-raising are to be emphasised more strongly (see https://bmi.gv.at/magazin/2022_01_02/Gewaltschutz.aspx). Nevertheless, the financial resources still appear insufficient. There is also a lack of support for single parents and further training for professional groups who work with affected women and children. In this context, the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs‘ „PERSPECTIVE WORK“ project, which deals with gender equality and the prevention of violence against women in the workplace, is of interest (see the Ministry of Social Affairs‘ website: https://www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Soziales/Soziale-Themen/Geschlechtergleichstellung/PERSPEKTIVE-ARBEIT.html). 

Progress: No progress

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).

Progress: In progress

Redouble efforts to eliminate all kinds of violence and discrimination against women and girls, regardless of their migratory status

Proponent:

Brazil


Federal Republic of Brazil

Brazil


Federal Republic of Brazil

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

With this in mind, in August 2023 the ACA also published the report „Violence and Victim Protection for Women“, which highlights the potential for effective protection of women affected by violence. The ACA 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). An important civil society initiative in this area is the Neighbourhoods Without Partner Violence Initiative („StoP Partner Violence“) with the participation of the umbrella organisation Autonomous Austrian Women’s Shelters (for the initiative, see https://stop-partnergewalt.at/). The Austrian women’s organisations point out that violence against women, including femicide and domestic violence, is still reaching alarming proportions. In this critical situation, political, legal and financial measures that go beyond current measures are needed to effectively combat violence against women. The 2021 violence protection package aims to protect women at risk and improve the financial framework. Among other things, preventative measures and awareness-raising are to be emphasised more strongly (see https://bmi.gv.at/magazin/2022_01_02/Gewaltschutz.aspx). Nevertheless, the financial resources still appear insufficient. There is also a lack of support for single parents and further training for professional groups who work with affected women and children. In this context, the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs‘ „PERSPECTIVE WORK“ project, which deals with gender equality and the prevention of violence against women in the workplace, is of interest (see the Ministry of Social Affairs‘ website: https://www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Soziales/Soziale-Themen/Geschlechtergleichstellung/PERSPEKTIVE-ARBEIT.html). Austria therefore lacks a comprehensive, long-term strategy to protect women from violence, although responsibility is shared between the federal and state governments. The provinces fund women’s shelters and counselling centres in particular, while the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the Federal Chancellery are active at federal level. The Austrian women’s organisations point out that violence against women, including femicide and domestic violence, is still reaching alarming proportions. In this critical situation, political, legal and financial measures that go beyond the current measures are required to effectively combat violence against women.   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).

Progress: In progress

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. 

Progress: No progress

Evaluate developing programmes to reduce the gender pay gap and promote the integration of women with disabilities, ethnic minorities and migrants into the labour market

Proponent:

Peru


Republic of Peru

Peru


Republic of Peru

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

There is still a significant pay gap between women and men in Austria. According to recent studies, women in Austria earn on average 18.8 per cent less than men, and this difference exists regardless of educational and professional qualifications (Statistik Austria, 2021: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/bevoelkerung-und-soziales/gender-statistiken/einkommen). According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have up to 3 years to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees (more information on this: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/themen/europa-aktuell/2023/04/gender-pay-gap-rat-der-eu-nimmt-neue-vorschriften-zur-lohntransparenz-an.html). In Austria, corresponding legislation has not yet been passed. The labour force participation rate for women is also still lower than for men (in 2022 70% compared to 78%, Statistics Austria: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/arbeitsmarkt/erwerbstaetigkeit/erwerbstaetige-merkmale). 

Progress: No progress

Continue strengthening successful policy to increase access to education, health and integration into the labour market for women with disabilities, ethnic minority groups, migrants, refugees and Asylum seekers

Proponent:

Somalia


Federal Republic of Somalia

Somalia


Federal Republic of Somalia

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

Gender stereotypes and role expectations contribute to inequality, make it difficult for women to advance in their careers and reduce their opportunities. To tackle the gender pay gap in the EU, the Council of the European Union adopted new rules on 24 April 2023 to combat pay discrimination and reduce the gender pay gap. According to the Pay Transparency Directive, companies in the EU should in future exchange information on how much they pay women and men for work of equal value and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5 per cent. EU member states now have up to 3 years to transpose the directive into national law. This will include more comprehensive disclosure of starting salaries and pay levels, increased reporting obligations for companies and improved access to legal measures for employees (more information on this: here). In Austria, corresponding legislation has not yet been passed. The employment rate for women is also still lower than for men (in 2022 70% compared to 78%, Statistics Austria: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/arbeitsmarkt/erwerbstaetigkeit/erwerbstaetige-merkmale).  With regard to women with disabilities, it should be noted that they are not a specific target group of the Austrian labour market service. The status of ministerial work is still the 2017 inclusion package (see information on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs: https://www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Soziales/Menschen-mit-Behinderungen/Berufliche-Teilhabe-von-Menschen-mit-Behinderungen.html). Civil society considers this to be insufficient. No measures have been taken to prevent multiple and/or intersectional discrimination against women and girls with disabilities. There is still a lack of adequate consideration of the gender perspective in disability legislation, the disability perspective in women’s legislation and the related enforcement of laws. The Ombud for Equal Treatment (website:https://www.gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft.gv.at), a state institution at the Federal Chancellery (BKA), is responsible for all grounds of discrimination except disability. However, women with disabilities must contact the Social Ministry Service (website: https://www.gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft.gv.at) in the event of multiple discrimination and apply for conciliation. This conciliation procedure is mandatory and must be carried out before a lawsuit is filed with the civil court. The problem is that the Social Ministry Service has no specific expertise in dealing with women with disabilities and is not trained in a gender-equitable approach.  With regard to people of foreign origin, the employment rate is lower than for people born in Austria. Women from certain countries of origin are particularly affected (e.g. Turkey with a female employment rate of only 44%) and foreign origin is still a frequent reason for discrimination in the workplace (see Statistics Austria, „Labour market situation of migrants in Austria 2022“: https://www.statistik.at/fileadmin/publications/Arbeitsmarktsituation-Migrant-innen-2021.pdf). 

Progress: No progress

Establish an independent residence title for women, independent of their husbands, within the framework of family reunification also in case of separation

Proponent:

League


Österreichische Liga für Menschenrechte


Rahlgasse 1/26, A-1060 Wien


http://www.liga.or.at/projekte/universal-periodic-review-2020-upr/

League


Österreichische Liga für Menschenrechte


Rahlgasse 1/26, A-1060 Wien


http://www.liga.or.at/projekte/universal-periodic-review-2020-upr/

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

According to the current legal situation, it is often difficult for women to retain their residence permit independently of their spouse in the event of a separation, especially if there are no cases of particular hardship. However, there are already provisions in other EU countries, such as Germany, which guarantee a spouse affected by violence an independent right of residence even after separation if violence is involved. The need to make women’s right of residence independent of marriage is increasingly seen as important to prevent abuse and dependency in relationships. In addition, such a reform could help to make it easier for women from violent marriages to access protection and support without jeopardising their residence rights.  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).

Redaktionelle Verantwortung UPR-Tool:

Österreichische Liga für Menschenrechte, upr@liga.or.at

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