UPR outcome of Austria

ORAL STATEMENT

Humanists International

UN Human Rights Council, 62nd Session (15th June – 8 July 2026)

Universal Periodic Review of Austria

Speaker: Andreas Gradert

Mr. President,

Humanists International and the Humanistischer Verband Österreich welcome Austria’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process, including its consideration of recommendations concerning human rights protection, equality and non-discrimination.

In this context, the Humanist Academy Austria strengthens human rights, humanist education and ethical reflection, while Austria has become a leading European hub for the ethics of Digital Humanism.^[1]

However, we remain concerned that the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief is still not implemented on an equal basis. In Austria, religious institutions continue to enjoy structural privilege in education, public funding and public representation, while non-religious and humanist citizens and communities remain less visible and less equally represented.^[2]

We are also concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression in relation to criticism of religion. Section 188 of the Austrian Criminal Code, on the disparagement of religious teachings, remains a de facto “blasphemy” law.^[3] It criminalizes public disparagement or ridicule of religious doctrines, practices, institutions or objects of worship.^[4]

Such provisions risk creating a chilling effect on legitimate criticism, satire, academic debate and humanist expression. The right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief protects believers and non-believers alike.^[5] It protects individuals, not ideas from criticism. A democratic state may and must protect people from discrimination, hatred and violence, but it should not grant religious doctrines.

We therefore urge Austria to strengthen state neutrality in matters of religion and belief, to review Section 188 of the Criminal Code in light of international standards on freedom of expression, and to ensure equal treatment of religious, non-religious and humanist communities in law, education, public consultation and public funding.

Thank you

^[1] https://caiml.dbai.tuwien.ac.at/dighum/dighum-manifesto/

^[2] https://fot.humanists.international/countries/europe-western-europe/austria/

^[3] https://end-blasphemy-laws.org/countries/europe/austria/

^[4] E.S. v Austria App no 38450/12 (ECtHR, 25 October 2018)

^[5] https://docs.un.org/en/CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.4 

Suggested academic reference

'UPR outcome of Austria', Humanists International