A/HRC/31/12 137. The delegation reported that new plans had been developed to improve the penitentiary system. Responding to concerns that the Austrian Ombudsman Board did not comply with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles), the delegation reassured that Austria remained open to addressing questions and concerns related to the Board and would study the questions raised in further detail. 138. The delegation expressed its gratitude to all delegations that had made statements and inquiries during the interactive dialogue and reiterated the commitment of the Government to continue improving the human rights situation. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations 139. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue and listed below have been examined by and enjoy the support of Austria: 139.1 Consider ratifying human rights conventions to which it is not yet party (Plurinational State of Bolivia); 139.2 Continue to improve legislative mechanisms in the area of human rights (Tajikistan); 139.3 Ensure that the legal framework on religious societies continues to be applied in an equal and transparent manner (Mexico);1 139.4 Continue to harmonize its national legislation on children with the international standards contained in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Protocols, and any other relevant instrument to which it is party (Nicaragua); 139.5 Address the limitations for children born out of wedlock in accessing Austrian nationality and ensure non-discrimination (Portugal); 139.6 Ensure the protection of the rights of children, including juveniles who are incarcerated in overcrowded prisons (Botswana); 139.7 Continue to strengthen the mandate of the Austrian Ombudsman Board in order to ensure full compliance with the Paris Principles (Croatia); 139.8 Ensure that the Austrian Ombudsman functions independence and in conformity with the Paris Principles (Egypt); with full 139.9 Continue taking measures to ensure that the Austrian Ombudsman Board, as its National Human Rights Institution, to be fully in line with the Paris Principles (Indonesia); 139.10 Ensure that the national human rights institution and the national preventive mechanism envisaged by the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture comply fully with the Paris Principles (Germany); 139.11 Ensure that the national human rights institutions and the national preventative mechanism comply with the Paris Principles (Hungary); 139.12 ** 1 14 Adopt a comprehensive human rights action plan (Timor-Leste); Conclusions and recommendations have not been edited. Mexico articulated “suggest” instead of “recommend” for recommendation Nos. 139.3, 139.72, 140.8 and 140.23.

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents