Mandate and working methods of the department

The Department for "International Protection of Persecuted Religious Minorities" within the Federal Chancellery is the Austrian Federal Government's centre of expertise on international freedom of religion or belief, the protection of religious minorities, and interreligious dialogue. It combines human rights work, strategic analysis, international cooperation, and legal expertise and serves as a coordination hub between Austrian authorities, other states, international organisations, NGOs, civil society, and religious communities worldwide. Its goal is to strengthen freedom of religion or belief worldwide, make persecution visible, counter radicalisation trends, and build bridges between cultures.

Core Tasks

Promoting Freedom of Religion and Protecting Religious Minorities

The department advocates globally for the protection of religious minorities – especially Christian communities – through dialogue with international partners, targeted support for projects on the ground, and mediation and coordination in international contexts.

International Cooperation and Project Funding

In close cooperation with states, international organisations, churches, religious societies, and NGOs, the department develops concrete measures against discrimination and persecution based on religion or belief. Austrian initiatives are made visible internationally and integrated into existing programmes.

Coordinating Body and National Focal Point

The department coordinates inter-ministerial cooperation on issues of freedom of religion or belief worldwide and the protection of religious minorities. It serves as a national point of contact for international partners, diplomatic missions, and Austrian organisations active in human rights and humanitarian support.

International Ombudsman-Office

Acting as an ombud, the department is a neutral point of contact and mediator for persecuted religious minorities. Through international networks, concrete support and humanitarian assistance have already been facilitated.

Monitoring and Analysis

By continuously monitoring international developments, the department produces up-to-date situational analyses on freedom of religion or belief worldwide. These serve early warning, assess potential implications for Austria, and inform strategic decision-making.

Legal Assessment and International Standards

The department provides legal assessments on issues related to freedom of religion or belief, anti-discrimination, and human rights in international contexts, considering international law, EU law, and national regulations. Projects and partnerships are reviewed for legal compliance and aligned with international standards.

Reporting

With the first Austrian Report on Freedom of Religion published in 2023, a systematic basis for ongoing observation has been established. The report documents current challenges, developments, and measures in the field of freedom of religion or belief and the protection of religious minorities.

Participation in International and National Conferences and Bodies

The department contributes its expertise to international and national fora, conferences, and bodies dealing with freedom of religion or belief, interreligious dialogue, human rights, and the protection of religious minorities. It maintains regular exchanges with European institutions, the United Nations, the OSCE, partner countries, and civil society actors, and participates in working groups and advisory boards promoting freedom of religion and social cohesion.

Analysis of Religiously Motivated Extremism

The department analyses forms of religiously motivated extremism in international and national contexts, examining causes, drivers, and their interaction with religious persecution. The aim is early detection of radicalisation, strengthening societal resilience, and supporting prevention strategies through international cooperation.

Interreligious Dialogue and Understanding

The department promotes interreligious and intercultural dialogue in the context of freedom of religion or belief worldwide and the protection of persecuted religious minorities. Targeted exchange formats build mutual trust, tolerance, and dialogue capacity – contributing to the prevention of extremism and to peace and social cohesion.

Community Management and Diaspora Engagement

The department maintains dialogue with all religious and cultural communities in Austria, with a particular focus on communities that face persecution in their countries of origin. It supports durable communication structures, fosters trust, and bridges Austrian society, faith communities, and international partners.

International Religious Freedom Award

In cooperation with the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, a dedicated category, the "International Religious Freedom Award", is presented annually within the Intercultural Achievement Awards to honour outstanding projects promoting freedom of religion or belief and protecting persecuted religious minorities.

Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

The department consolidates expertise, develops tools for knowledge transfer, and strengthens international networking within Austria's public administration on issues of religious freedom, human rights, and the protection of religious minorities. Targeted training and information measures foster long-term capacities at home and abroad.