Responsibilities and working methods of the department

• The department's responsibilities include: Promotion of Religious Freedom, particularly for Christian minorities in an international context: The promotion of Religious Freedom is carried out in collaboration with global partners and Austrian NGOs. This is achieved through dialogue and by supporting local projects.
• International exchange and project promotion in cooperation with various partners: Since religious persecution occurs across a wide range of countries, collaboration with other states, authorities, churches, religious communities, and numerous national and international organisations is essential. Such cooperation enables targeted and effective measures to combat the persecution of religious minorities and to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief.
• International Ombudsman's Office for the Protection of Persecuted Religious Minorities: The department also serves as an Ombudsman's Office and a point of contact for persecuted religious minorities worldwide. This role has already facilitated successful support through international mediation led by the office.
• Monitoring the global situation regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief: Continuous monitoring is crucial to maintain an up-to-date understanding of the situation. This allows for daily assessments and the early identification of potentially escalating developments.
• Preparation of a Religious Freedom Report: The Federal Chancellery prepared the first Religious Freedom Report in 2023. In the future, the department will produce reports highlighting activities and developments related to Freedom of Religion or Belief in an international context.
• Organisation of the International Religious Freedom Award in cooperation with the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria: The "International Religious Freedom Award" is presented annually as part of the Intercultural Achievement Awards by the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria. This award aims to increase recognition for the many actors and NGOs engaged in this field, while also supporting persecuted religious minorities and promoting Religious Freedom.