AUSTRIA
Austria adopted their first WPS NAP in 2007, and their second in 2012. There is no specified period for implementation, nor information as to whether this 2012 NAP is to be updated.
Objectives/Aims of the 2012 NAP:
1. Increase the representation of women, as well as enhance consideration of the objectives defined in Resolution 1325 in training activities for international peace operations.
2. Strengthen the participation of women in peace promoting and conflict resolving activities, especially by promoting local peace initiatives by women and increasing the share of women in decision-making positions in international and European organisations.
3. Prevent gender-specific violence and protect the needs of women and girls within the scope of peace missions, humanitarian operations and in camps for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Measures to be taken to achieve these objectives:
1. Political commitment and activities of Austria at international and regional levels;
2. Specific activities to support women and girls in post-conflict regions;
3. Specific human resources management with the aim to increase the representation of women among deployed personnel as well as to consistently pursue a “zero tolerance policy” on sexual abuse and prostitution.
Commentary:
This revised NAP builds upon and reiterates commitments outlined in the previous plan. Austria remains committed to implementing UN Resolution 1325 domestically, as well as in humanitarian, peacekeeping, diplomatic and development activities. It also aims to strengthen inter-ministerial co-operation on Women, Peace and Security.
No budget is specified for implementation of the NAP, which states “Financing of the activities resulting from implementation of the Action Plan will be ensured by the responsible ministries within the funds available in their respective budgets.” (p 4)
The Austrian Government adopts implementation reports annually.
Civil Society:
The Action Plan has been developed jointly by representatives of civil society organisations and other actors. The annual implementation report is produced following consultations with civil society representatives during a joint meeting held at least once a year. Civil Society will also be contacted on an ad hoc basis to support the work of the working group.
UN Peacekeeping Statistics:
At May 2023 Austria contributed the following UN peacekeeping personnel:
Women’s role in peacekeeping:
Austria pledges to increase the share of women participating in missions abroad, including within the police forces, federal armed forces, the judiciary, judicial administration and among prison officers to ensure their representation is equal to the share of women working in these roles domestically. The NAP states “the relevant ministries are specifically committed to creating the necessary prerequisites and positive incentives aimed at increasing the representation of women in peace operations in which Austria participates. This representation is to be at least equal to the number of women employed in the specialised staff of the police force/Federal Armed Forces/judiciary/administration of justice/prison officers in Austria. Furthermore, the respective ministries are committed to nominating female Austrians to leadership positions in international organisations and ensuring that the ratio between male and female Austrians in election monitoring missions is balanced.” (p8)
References:
Austria National Action Plan: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Zentrale/Aussenpolitik/Menschenrechte/UN_Security_Council_National_Action_Plan.pdf
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