Amnesty International (AI) sees human rights in Austria “at a turning point”. In its annual report for 2022/23, the human rights organization refers to “inhuman conditions” in housing asylum seekers and insufficient social benefits in some federal states. Furthermore, one finds “a worrying trend that some politicians in Austria are less and less recognizing and questioning human rights”.
Human rights as a political pawn
According to one broadcast, these “repeatedly use anti-human rights rhetoric to justify discriminatory measures” and thus contribute to a negative atmosphere towards human rights. “This is particularly concerning as human rights are the cornerstone of a just society and must be protected and promoted at all times.”
“Austria is at a turning point in the fight for human rights,” said the managing director of AI Austria Anna Maria Schlack. “The direction we take now will determine the decades to come. If we continue to marginalize people and deny them their human rights, it will not only violate their rights, but also undermine the cohesion of our society.”
Violations in the asylum area
In the area of asylum, the human rights organization criticizes, among other things, the temporary accommodation of asylum seekers in tents and illegal pushing at the border in its annual report published this Tuesday. Furthermore, a total of 11,629 refugee children disappeared in 2022. Amnesty therefore demands the immediate assignment of guardians to all unaccompanied minors immediately upon their arrival in Austria – and not just upon admission to the asylum process.
Press freedom under pressure
AI also sees press freedom under pressure. For example, at several protest events in Vienna, police prevented journalists from observing and reporting or failed to adequately protect them from attacks by protesters. When the activists’ protest camp “Lobau Stays” was emptied in April 2022, the executive set up a separate press zone and so far from the camp “that it was not possible to adequately monitor the events”.
Furthermore, Amnesty refers to so-called SLAPP proceedings (strategic lawsuits against public participation) against journalists and concerns that “Ibizia detective” Julian Hessenthaler, sentenced to three and a half years in prison, has actually received a trial fair. Furthermore, the Freedom of Information Act, announced years ago, is still suspended.
Insufficient social benefits
A national housing strategy and comprehensive offerings to assist the homeless are also needed. “A lack of information, high bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers and legal regulations that led to the exclusion of Austrian and foreign citizens from entitlement to benefits also meant that many people did not have access to relevant support services.”
The Basic Law of Social Assistance considers AI inadequate. With its maximum rates, which are below the poverty risk line, it does not allow people to live with dignity.