"Psychological suffering"

UN criticizes Austria’s treatment of asylum seekers

The UN report criticizes Austria's treatment of asylum seekers who are victims of torture or suffer from mental illness.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

A UN report criticizes Austria's treatment of asylum seekers who are victims of torture or suffer from mental illness. The detention of people with mental health problems in so-called security cells in deportation facilities must stop immediately, the UN Committee against Torture demanded in its regular report on Friday.

Austria must ensure that asylum seekers in need of protection, such as victims of torture, human trafficking and gender-based violence, are given priority in asylum procedures and receive medical care.

Lack of healthcare
The report expressed concern about poor conditions in deportation centers, particularly the lack of healthcare.

Austrian law
The UN experts also criticized the fact that under Austrian law, people with psychosocial or mental disabilities can be detained or subjected to forced medical treatment. This includes solitary confinement, solitary confinement, physical and chemical restraint in forensic medical facilities, even for children. The government should urgently review the relevant laws.

The committee urged neighboring Liechtenstein to review its agreement on the transfer of offenders to the Austrian prison system. Prior to this, there must be basic legal guarantees against torture and ill-treatment for prisoners from Liechtenstein.