The 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council

15 June – 7 July 2026

Item 6: UPR Adoptions, Austria

01 July 2026

Statement of International Lawyers.Org

Delivered by Martina Galiazzo / GICJ

Thank you, madam vice president.

We thank the Working Group for their report. As the Working group finds, several actions have been undertaken by Austria for the improvement of the human rights situation in their State.

Austria’s recent efforts in reinforcing judicial independence and in combating corruption were brought to light.  International lawyers.org suggests that Austria continues its undertakings to strengthen judicial autonomy and its legislative reforms and preventive strategies to combat corruption through enhanced international cooperation. However, it is important for the state to verify that the current legislative framework is effectively implemented in practice. 

With regard to the criminal system, the report underlined Austria’s continuous efforts in improving its detention conditions, namely through the 2025 expansion of electronically monitored house arrests. We suggest the State to improve the use of isolation in detention systems, by ensuring its use is strictly exceptional, particularly for vulnerable groups. The State should prohibit solitary confinement for juveniles and persons with disabilities and restrict its use for adults to the most extraordinary circumstances.

Regarding social and economic rights, we recommend the State to continue implementing comprehensive measures and campaigns to eliminate the gender pay gap and ensure equal pay for work of equal value. Moreover, the State should continue the expansion of child-care support for families, in order to allow women’s re-entry into the labour market. 

International Lawyers.Org suggests to the State to continue its commitment to a structured dialogue with civil society, ensuring their expertise and meaningful participation are integrated in the implementation of these recommendations and to continue to implement its efforts regarding the human rights situation in the country.

Thank you.