UK Statement on Austria at the 23rd Session of the Universal Periodic Review, Geneva, 2 to 13 November 2015
The UK delivers its statement on the Universal Periodic Review of Austria, 9 November 2015.
The UPR takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Thank you, Mr President,
The UK welcomes measures taken in Austria to tackle the danger of Islamophobia in society and political discourse. The Islamgesetz, and recent proposals to develop it further, is an ambitious approach. We also welcome the Constitutional Court’s decision to ensure same-sex couples do not face discrimination with regard to the adoption of children.
We encourage Austria to take further steps to combat all forms of discrimination, such as racial bias within law enforcement.
We recommend:
Undertake further work as soon as possible to combat the danger of Islamophobia in society and political discourse, including the establishment and effective implementation of a national system for the recording, independent monitoring and punishment of hate crimes committed in Austria;
Amend the legal status of same-sex partnerships to ensure full equality in the eyes of the law.
Thank you, Mr President.