Austria adopted its most recent National Action Plan (NAP) in 2012, but the NAP does not identify a specific period of implementation. The NAP was developed by an inter-ministerial group, which consisted of the Federal Ministries of European and International Affairs; Interior; Justice; Defence; Sports; along with the Federal Chancellery and the Austrian Development Agency. The NAP indicates civil society involvement in the NAP development, implementation, and monitoring process. Austria’s NAP approaches the implementation of the WPS Agenda both domestically and internationally, and outlines three main objectives towards the implementation of UNSCR 1325. These include increasing the representation of women in international peace operations; strengthening the participation of women in peace initiatives and high-level decision-making spaces; and preventing gender-based violence and protecting the rights of women in humanitarian settings. The NAP outlines a monitoring and evaluation framework that consists of annual reviews and comprehensive reporting requirements. Austria’s NAP does not include an allocated budget, but indicates that the activities identified in the NAP “will be ensured by the responsible ministries within the funds available in their respective budgets.”
Austria’s second NAP is preceded by one other NAP, adopted in 2007, without a specific period of implementation. The NAP was developed through the cooperation of several ministries following consultations with civil society members. Austria’s first and second NAPs are similar in length and level of detail, approaching the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in a mostly international way. As such, the NAPs identify increasing women’s representation in peacekeeping operations; lobbying for the implementation of Resolution 1325 at the multilateral level; and supporting gender-based reforms in conflict-affected countries among some of its objectives. The second NAP does not provide an overview of the findings from the implementation of the first NAP, nor does it have a lessons learned section. The first NAP identifies working with civil society on conflict prevention and peacebuilding as a priority area for international cooperation. While civil society still has a role in the second NAP, its incorporation appears to focus more on “engagement” and capacity building instead of being framed as a cooperation.
Austria reported on the implementation of its NAP, as well as WPS commitments, in its national reporting for Beijing+25 and in preparation for CSW64 (2020). Specifically, the country provided the following updates:
- Within the scope of the NAP, measures are taken to promote the participation of women in peace processes, to strengthen preventive measures against violence against women, to increase the proportion of women participating in peacekeeping operations and to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions in international organisations like the UN or the EU. (p. 18)
- A working group led by the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, reviews the implementation of the NAP once a year. (pp. 61-62)
- The most recent, ninth implementation report offers an overview of the level of implementation of the revised NAP and the measures taken to support women in conflict and post-conflict situations in 2017. (pp. 61-62)
- The Austrian Development Agency passed a gender guideline which also aims to implement the NAP 1325. In addition to that, the Austrian Development Agency supports a number of initiatives in the field women, peace, security. (pp. 61-62)
Austria does not have a history of recent armed conflict, but contributes to overseas military and peacekeeping operations. Austria is also a contributor to humanitarian aid, including being a contributing donor to the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, a global partnership that works to empower women in conflict zones and humanitarian crises.
At the multilateral level, Austria most recently served as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2009-2010 and is currently a candidate for a non-permanent member position for the period 2027-2028.