Universal Periodic Review 10th Session
Intervention by Australia
AUSTRIA
Australia welcomes the delegation from Austria led by its Minister for European and International Affairs, H.E. Mr Michael Spindelegger, and appreciates its engagement in the Universal Periodic Review Process.
Australia welcomes Austria’s fight against xenophobia and racism. We commend all initiatives to improve the training and human rights awareness of officials, including law enforcement officials, and to ensure that allegations of discrimination – including racial discrimination – are investigated fairly and promptly.
We encourage Austria to expand the mandate of its Ombudsman Board to include protection and promotion of all human rights in accordance with the Paris Principles.
We also encourage Austria to strengthen the independence of its Human Rights Advisory Board to respond to complaints of police misconduct.
We congratulate Austria on its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, during which it highlighted the human rights dimensions of a range of international peace and security issues.
Against this background, Australia would like to make two recommendations. Australia recommends Austria:
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Intensify measures to tackle racism and xenophobia; and
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Identify opportunities to enhance the effectiveness and independence of its national human rights bodies.