Vienna

As an experienced city on migration, integration and diversity management, Vienna was determined to advance and develop inclusive strategies founded in human rights values. In December 2014, the Municipality passed the declaration “Vienna – City of Human Rights” for implementing the human rights based approach with its four pillars: non-discrimination, participation, transparency and accountability in all governmental levels of the city. 

The city is committed to respect and protect human rights and intends to serve as a role model at the local, national and international level. It is a unique example of a human rights city that has established a ‘Human Rights Office’. Implementing Vienna's Declaration in all areas of its action is the main goal of the Human Rights Office. To pursue this aim, it is essential to create a good governance as well as a holistic concept for cooperation among different political and administrative decision makers, the scientific institutions, NGOs and the civil society. 

Declaration and the areas of action:

• The Human rights based approach, a cross cutting principle - Human rights are the guideline for decisions and actions in the fields of legislation, executive authority and administrative jurisdiction in Vienna. The city develops measures to promote openness, diversity, participation, a barrier-free environment and equal chances.

• International Cooperation - The office represents Vienna at national, European and global level for integrating human rights mechanisms and hosts delegations, cooperates and provides support for capacity building. Vienna also plays an important role in the process of setting standards for “Human Rights Cities in the EU”, which is leading by the EU- Fundamental Rights Agency.

• Human Rights education - Organizing of conferences, seminars and panel discussions and establishing a long-term cooperation with the Vienna`s Schools authority are examples for awareness raising. Meanwhile more than 8.000 pupils have been trained with different methods (especially through arts and culture). Training of employees of the administration is an important milestone of human rights education inside the administration.

• Dialogue with Civil Society - The Office contacts initiatives and grassroots organizations and opens new forms of participation for implementing the human rights based approach. The often-used form is Round Tables, which encourage involvement of administration staff, NGOs, civil society and other stakeholders. The ongoing Project “Human Rights Districts” – by now 14 out of 23 Viennese districts have followed the call of the Human Rights Office. The districts identify their themes and stakeholders and in cooperation prioritize their plans for action.

• Institutional provisions - The Boltzmann Ins. for HR accompanies the “Human Rights City” from the beginning and accordingly a steering group has been established with representatives of the government, which acts as an advisory board and provides the office with strategic advice.