Department for International Protection of Persecuted Religious Minorities

Freedom of Religion or Belief is a fundamental human right. It is indispensable linked to the freedom and dignity of every human being. This right guarantees the freedom to practise a religion or belief, alone or in community with others, publicly or privately. It includes the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of one's own choice. It also contains the right not to belong to any religion or to change one's religion. The protection of Religious Freedom is a fundamental part of social coexistence. It is emphasised by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and numerous other policies.

Attacks on religious minorities, including Christian minorities as well as many others, are increasing worldwide. Austria has now implemented initiatives to address religious persecution on an international scale.

The Ombudsman's Office for the Protection of Persecuted Religious Minorities was established as a first institutional step in October 2023 as part of the Office of Religious Affairs in the Federal Chancellery.
The Ombudsman's Office was restructured into a new and independent department called the "Department for International Protection of Persecuted Religious Minorities" in May 2024. This department, which operates within Directorate II of the Federal Chancellery, is tasked with advocating globally for the rights of persecuted religious minorities and for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Its responsibilities include advising, supporting, promoting, mediating, providing on-site assistance, surveying, observing, and documenting the current situation in the respective countries.

Contact

Department for International Protection of Persecuted Religious Minorities
Ballhausplatz 2, 1010 Vienna
Email: stabstelle.religionsfreiheit@bka.gv.at

Please send only written requests via email: stabstelle.religionsfreiheit@bka.gv.at

Further information

Source: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/en/agenda/department-for-international-protection-of-persecuted-religious-minorities.html