National Coalition for the Implementation of the UN CRC in Austria

Established in late 1997, the Austrian National Coalition works for the full implementation of the CRC in Austria for all children and young people. It is an independent network of more than 20 institutions (including all 9 ombudsoffices for children and youth in all Austrian provinces) and non-governmental organisations in the areas of child and youth work, welfare and child protection, counselling, research and advocacy.

According to our 2005 Cooperation Charter the Coalition aims at:

• Monitoring implementation of CRC standards
• Information and Awareness-raising on child rights
• Lobbying for child rights-based approaches in policies and implementation

The Coalition also cooperates with other national, European and international networks and partners, including other NCs.

Among our key activities and concerns are:

• Lobbying for the inclusion of child rights into the Austrian Federal Constitution
• Participating in the CRC State reporting process, by preparing “shadow reports”, working directly with the CRC Committee and lobby for the implementation of the Concluding Observations
• Supporting the implementation of the Austrian 2004 National Plan of Action for the Rights of Children and Young People
• Coordinated activities around the 20th November/International Child Rights Day
• Prepare press releases, joint position papers on current issues