of the Baha'i community and the restrictions on freedom of religion in
general. It was hoped that the dialogue with the Committee would provide
useful information for the Moroccan Government and would encourage further
improvements in the protection of human rights.
78. The representative of the reporting State expressed his appreciation to
Committee members for the keen interest they had shown in the consideration of
the report. Due note had been taken of the Committee's comments, which would
be conveyed to the Moroccan authorities.
79. In concluding the consideration of the second periodic report of Morocco,
the Chairman thanked the delegation for its cooperation. He emphasized the
importance of constant review of domestic legislation and -practice in
accordance with the provisions of the Covenant and stated that the dialogue
with the Committee should be used for that purpose.
AUSTRIA
80. The Committee considered the second periodic report of Austria
(CCPE/C/51/Add.2) at its 1098th, 1099th and 1100th meetings, held on 24 and
25 October 1991 (CCPR/C/SR.1098, SR.1099 and SR.1100). (For the composition
of the delegation, see annex VIII.)
81. The report was introduced by the representative of the State party, who
drew members' attention, in particular, to the fact that the Second Optional
Protocol aiming at the abolition of the cteath penalty was currently before the
Austrian Parliament, with ratification expected in early 1992,
Constitutional and legal framework within which the Covenant is implemented
82. With reference to that issue, members asked what measures Austria had
taken to give effect to the rights recognized in the Covenant and whether
there were any difficulties in that regard. Members also inquired about the
remedies available to individuals whose rights under the Covenant had been
violated. Concerning the promotion of human rights, they wished to know, in
particular, whether a commission, ombudsman or similar institution would be
established, as well as about measures taken to increase public awareness of
the Covenant and the Optional Protocol,
83. Members were concerned about the status of the Covenant, given that
Austria had incorporated into its domestic law the European Convention on
Human Rights, but not the Covenant. They wondered whether those parts of the
Covenant that were not reflected in the European Convention, if not the
Covenant in its entirety, could be incorporated into Austria's domestic law.
In addition, members wished to know whether there was any governmental
machinery for monitoring legislation to ensure its compatibility with
Austria's international obligations under the Covenant; how complaints would
be handled in the light of the provisions of the Optional Protocol; and
whether there was any legal procedure under which the provisions of the
Covenant could be abrogated. Members were also concerned about the
reservations to the Covenant and the Optional Protocol entered by Austria and
wondered whether the withdrawal of some of them was being considered.
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