A/HRC/17/8 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its tenth session from 24 January to 4 February 2011. The review of Austria was held at the 6th meeting on 26 January 2011. The delegation of Austria was headed by Michael Spindelegger, Minister for European and International Affairs. At its 10th meeting, held on 28 January 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Austria. 2. On 21 June 2010, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Austria: Argentina, Bahrain and Mauritania. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Austria: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/10/AUT/1 and Corr.1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/10/AUT/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/10/AUT/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Namibia, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Austria through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The Austrian delegation stated that the support of human rights was a core concern to its Government. Austria had a long-standing record of active engagement not only to ensure the protection of human rights at the national level, but also to advance the international system for the promotion and protection of human rights at the United Nations and in regional organizations such as the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union. 6. Austria’s international human rights engagement had always been guided by a spirit of cooperation and dialogue. Dialogue and partnerships were crucial for turning the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into reality for everyone. Austria had consistently worked with all actors towards this goal. 7. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2009 and 2010, Austria had continuously and actively advocated the advancement of human rights, the adherence to the rule of law, the protection of civilians in armed conflict and the promotion of the contribution of women as a measure to preserve peace and security. 8. Austria’s international engagement in human rights was based on a firm commitment to ensure full respect of human rights domestically. Austria had acceded to all major international human rights treaties and had extended a standing invitation to all United Nations special procedures. 3