AUSTRIA
Austria adopted its first WPS NAP in 2007, and the second in 2012. There is no specified period for implementation. However, Implementation Reports are issued annually, and the most recent of these, dated February 2024 is at: MRV__VN-SR_Resolution_1325__Umsetzungsbericht___Beilage__Bericht.pdf (only available in Austrian).
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:
The 2012 NAP builds upon and reiterates commitments outlined in the previous plan, in which 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. The most recent is at: MRV__VN-SR_Resolution_1325__Umsetzungsbericht___Beilage__Bericht.pdf ; earlier reports are available through the Government’s Women in Peacekeeping and Security page at Women, Peace and Security - SC Res 1325 – BMEIA - Außenministerium Österreich.
On this page the Austrian government reports that “As part of the “Generation Equality Forum” 2021, Austria became a signatory of the "Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action" and registered ADC pledges of € 11.4 million for the period 2021-2025.”
Civil Society:
The 2012 Plan was developed jointly with representatives of civil society organisations and other actors. The annual implementation reports are produced following consultations with civil society representatives during joint meetings held at least once a year. Civil Society is also contacted on an ad hoc basis to support the work of the working group.
UN Peacekeeping Statistics:
At August 2024 Austria contributed the following UN peacekeeping personnel:
Women’s role in peacekeeping:
As can be seen from the above table, women comprised only 5.3% of Austria’s total peacekeeping force, and only one woman held a senior position (in the police on the UNMIK mission compared with twenty two men in positions of experts and staff officers.
Austria has pledged 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. There remains work to be done, therefore, for Austria to achieve the UN’s target of 15% women deployed on peacekeeping duties.
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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