Reports on preventive human rights monitoring

The Austrian Ombudsman Board submits an annual report on its preventive human rights monitoring to the National Council, the Federal Council and all regional parliaments. In this report, it highlights the perceived systemic shortcomings of all commission visits and makes recommendations for improving human rights protection in Austria. The Ombudsman Board also makes proposals for corresponding legislative amendments.

The Ombudsman Board also submits its annual report on preventive human rights monitoring to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (“SPT”).

The recommendations reflect the diversity of the topics addressed by the commissions. For example, the monitoring priorities can focus on the structural facilities of an institution, quality of meals, medical care, living and accommodation conditions, education and work opportunities, as well as contact with the outside world, visiting opportunities and possible abuse.