International human rights protection
The constitutional mandate to protect human rights as a "National Preventive Mechanism" (NPM) is based on two important United Nations legal instruments. One is the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) and the other is the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
International standards of preventive human rights monitoring
The National Preventive Mechanism - the Ombudsman Board and its commissions - is bound by international standards in its tasks to protect and promote human rights.
In particular, international standards developed by the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture (SPT) and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) must be observed. A regular exchange of experience at international level is particularly important in order to fulfil these tasks effectively. The Austrian Ombudsman Board therefore co-operates on an ongoing basis with the UN Subcommittee and the CPT Committee, the Council of Europe and international experts.
All international partner organisations and institutions are regularly informed about the activities of the Austrian Ombudsman Board and receive the annual report in English.