Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 37th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Austria

Statement by Australia

22 January 2021

Thank you, [President/Vice-President]

Australia welcomes Austria's continued commitment to human rights and commends its leadership to promote gender equality and reduce violence against women. We also welcome Austria's efforts to protect basic freedoms and the rights of minorities, including by investigating allegations of police misconduct and implementing a national strategy for the integration of Roma.

Australia recommends that Austria:

1. Continue its efforts on the national investigation and complaints body for cases of alleged police misconduct, and to integrate human rights and anti-discrimination norms in to police training courses.
2. Take necessary steps to ensure full compliance of the Austrian Ombudsman Board with the Paris Principles, including reforming the process of appointing members to ensure selection is merit based.
3. Strengthen efforts to tackle racism, xenophobia, antisemitic and anti-Islamic incidents, including through the disaggregation of hate crimes data.
4. Take necessary steps to protect freedom of religion or belief in Austria, including reform to ensure more equitable treatment of registered religious groups, and ensuring national security measures take into account and minimise the impact on freedom of religion or belief.

[177 words]