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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: No progress

Guarantee access to sexual and reproductive rights and particularly to abortion (France)

Proponent:

France


French Republic

France


French Republic

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

The current situation regarding sexual and reproductive rights in Austria is a problem. Although the right to abortion is formally recognised, there are still numerous hurdles and restrictions that make access to this basic medical procedure difficult. Various non-governmental organisations such as the Austrian Society for Family Planning (ÖGF) and the Women’s Health Centre (FGZ) have repeatedly pointed out that there are restrictions on access to abortion in some parts of Austria and that there is a lack of information and counselling services.   Austrian law allows abortions to be carried out without penalty within the first three months of pregnancy, which is known as the „deadline solution“. Under certain circumstances, abortion is also possible after this period has expired. Nevertheless, restrictive laws and social stigmatisation make it difficult for women to have a safe and legal abortion.   The current situation highlights the need for a comprehensive revision of legislation and additional measures to educate and sensitise the public. § Section 6 (3) of the Hospitals and Health Resorts Act stipulates that hospitals may not have any provisions in their regulations that prohibit the performance of an abortion without punishment or co-operation in this. In addition, the public healthcare system bears the costs of an abortion if it is necessary for medical reasons (Federal Law Gazette I No. 13/2019, Section 6 (3) of the Hospitals and Health Resorts Act: https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/eli/bgbl/1957/1/P6/NOR40211921?ResultFunctionToken==100&Suchworte=anstaltsordnung). One goal of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2020 is to promote reproductive health, and measure 27, which is included in the plan, aims to support women in their self-determined sexuality, for example by providing low-threshold access to contraceptives, and to guarantee the possibility of abortion in all federal states (Action Plan Women’s Health as PDF: https://www.sozialministerium.at/dam/jcr:b185f2aa-a1a5-4893-a940-e034d76710c3/Aktionsplan_Frauengesundheit_01_2020.pdf). Progress is still to be evaluated.  A current problem is that many women have to travel long distances to receive adequate care, as there is an uneven distribution of abortion facilities in different regions. In addition, women’s autonomy and freedom of choice are impaired by legal requirements such as the reflection period and the obligation to undergo counselling. In recent years, individual federal states have seen regression rather than progress in access to abortion. 

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: 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

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

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):

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: No progress

Implement nationwide training and information campaigns in the health sector on the topic of violence against women and domestic violence

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):

In 2024, Austria significantly strengthened its measures to combat violence against women and domestic violence. Comprehensive training and information campaigns are being carried out to raise awareness of these issues and better prepare professionals in healthcare facilities, the justice system and social services to deal with victims of violence. Particularly noteworthy is the cooperation between various ministries, including the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, which provides extensive training and information material. At the same time, the Ministry of Justice supports preventative measures and counselling services for victims of violence. These initiatives also include a stronger network of violence protection centres and increased public relations work to raise awareness of the availability of support services throughout Austria. In addition, the media campaign „16 days against violence“ is running, which regularly raises public awareness and also highlights the help centres. Another aim of these measures is to encourage more women to seek help and free themselves from violent relationships.   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: No progress

Implement measures to provide adequate care for mentally ill women and women affected by violence

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):

In 2024, Austria significantly strengthened its measures to combat violence against women and domestic violence. Comprehensive training and information campaigns are being carried out to raise awareness of these issues and better prepare professionals in healthcare facilities, the justice system and social services to deal with victims of violence. Particularly noteworthy is the cooperation between various ministries, including the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, which provides extensive training and information material. At the same time, the Ministry of Justice supports preventative measures and counselling services for victims of violence. These initiatives also include a stronger network of violence protection centres and increased public relations work to raise awareness of the availability of support services throughout Austria. In addition, the media campaign „16 days against violence“ is running, which regularly raises public awareness and also highlights the help centres. Another aim of these measures is to encourage more women to seek help and free themselves from violent relationships.   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: No progress

Women have a right to decide about pregnancy, the time-phase solution for the termination of pregnancy must not be restricted

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 Dec 31, 2024):

The current situation regarding sexual and reproductive rights in Austria is a problem. Although the right to abortion is formally recognised, there are still numerous hurdles and restrictions that make access to this basic medical procedure difficult. Various non-governmental organisations such as the Austrian Society for Family Planning (ÖGF) and the Women’s Health Centre (FGZ) have repeatedly pointed out that there are restrictions on access to abortion in some parts of Austria and that there is a lack of information and counselling services.   Austrian law allows abortions to be carried out without penalty within the first three months of pregnancy, which is known as the „deadline solution“. Under certain circumstances, abortion is also possible after this period has expired. Nevertheless, restrictive laws and social stigmatisation make it difficult for women to have a safe and legal abortion.   The current situation highlights the need for a comprehensive revision of legislation and additional measures to educate and sensitise the public. § Section 6 (3) of the Hospitals and Health Resorts Act stipulates that hospitals may not have any provisions in their regulations that prohibit the performance of an abortion without punishment or co-operation in this. In addition, the public healthcare system bears the costs of an abortion if it is necessary for medical reasons (Federal Law Gazette I No. 13/2019, Section 6 (3) of the Hospitals and Health Resorts Act: https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/eli/bgbl/1957/1/P6/NOR40211921?ResultFunctionToken==100&Suchworte=anstaltsordnung). One goal of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2020 is to promote reproductive health, and measure 27, which is included in the plan, aims to support women in their self-determined sexuality, for example by providing low-threshold access to contraceptives, and to guarantee the possibility of abortion in all federal states (Action Plan Women’s Health as PDF: https://www.sozialministerium.at/dam/jcr:b185f2aa-a1a5-4893-a940-e034d76710c3/Aktionsplan_Frauengesundheit_01_2020.pdf). Progress is still to be evaluated.  A current problem is that many women have to travel long distances to receive adequate care, as there is an uneven distribution of abortion facilities in different regions. In addition, women’s autonomy and freedom of choice are impaired by legal requirements such as the reflection period and the obligation to undergo counselling. In recent years, individual federal states have seen regression rather than progress in access to abortion. 

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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