2024-04-24 10:51:00
Von Diana Duration
24.04.2024
In view of the approaching National Council elections Amnesty International (AI) a “fateful year” for human rights in Austria. In the current annual report on the human rights situation 2023/24, AI points out “serious human rights problems in Austria”.
Specifically, it is regarding the ongoing disappearance of refugee children, restrictions on press freedom, unequal access to social benefits and concerns regarding women’s rights. “It is a fateful year for human rights in Austria. We call on all parties to work to protect and realize human rights instead of using divisive rhetoric to incite fear. “This will determine how we hold together as a society.” Shoura Hashemi, Managing Director of Amnesty International Austria quoted in a press release.
The current government has not acted sufficiently to solve the pressing problems.
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Children disappear uncontrollably
AI identifies an urgent need for action in Austria, especially in the “lack of care of unaccompanied refugee children and the difficult and discriminatory access to social assistance. “It is a human rights scandal,” said Hashemi.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, 4,700 minors in Austria have evaded the asylum procedure, most of whose whereregardings are unknown. AI sees a risk that these children might be victims of human trafficking. The reason for the uncontrolled disappearance is the lack of care for unaccompanied children, which often lasts for months following their arrival in Austria.
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Need a national action plan once morest violence once morest women
After there were supposedly 26 femicides last year, AI sees women’s rights in danger. AI also points out the unequal access to abortion and its criminalization as well as the unregulated and therefore high costs. What is therefore required is a national action plan that also includes expansion of advice and support services and measures once morest gender-specific discrimination.
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Social welfare violates human rights
The design of social assistance “violates Austria’s human rights obligations”, it is full of holes and would perpetuate poverty, and there are also inequalities and disadvantages in access to social assistance. Women, especially single parents, are mentioned at a disadvantage here. It is also criticized that refugees from Ukraine and those entitled to subsidiary protection are not entitled to social assistance.
They live on significantly less basic supplies, which leads to a precarious living situation and makes it more difficult for them to meet their basic needs. In its latest report, AI reiterates its call for the government to reform social welfare.
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Anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic crimes are increasing
AI is also concerned regarding the increase in racist hate crimes and anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim attacks. The latter have increased particularly since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. AI is therefore calling on the government to take steps “ once morest discriminatory violence and strengthening equality”.
Inadequate accountability for police violence
In order to get Austria’s problem with police violence under control, one was held in January 2024 Investigation and complaints office set up to investigate allegations of mistreatment once morest police officers. Although this is welcomed by AI, it still sees a need for improvement. For example, there is no identification requirement for police officers, which hinders the investigation of mistreatment by the police.
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Criticism of “catastrophic prison conditions”
Amnesty reiterates its human rights concerns regarding the situation of people in prisons, such as regular prisons and the “lack of access to psychosocial care” and medical care.
Most recently, the Council of Europe’s anti-torture report in June 2023 complained regarding the alarming conditions of the cells and sanitary facilities as well as the “disproportionate isolation in detention pending deportation”.
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AI also detects a deterioration in terms of press freedom. Journalists in Austria would see themselves under increasing pressure. Economic pressure, but also attempts at intimidation (SLAPP lawsuits) and other reprisals would hinder free reporting.
“In order to reverse the negative trends in transparency, freedom of the press, democracy and corruption, strengthening freedom of expression and freedom of the press is essential. This requires, among other things, that journalists are effectively protected from intimidation lawsuits as well as media funding that is based on clear and objective quality criteria oriented,” demands Hashemi in the broadcast.
Lack of climate protection
Finally, the report once once more complains regarding a sad fixture in the annual report: There will still be no climate protection law in 2024. In addition, Austria is “not on the right track” when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and efficient climate measures.
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