A/HRC/62/55/Add.1 from a pre-existing high base in Austria. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights published data in 2024 based on a survey conducted before 7 October 2023. According to the findings, 38% of Jewish respondents in Austria had experienced antisemitic harassment in the preceding year.4 The survey highlighted the fact that online antisemitism, particularly on social media, was a persistent challenge that had an impact on the mental health of Jewish people. A considerable proportion of participants in the survey reported worrying about themselves and/or their family members and friends. The majority also reported that they avoided wearing religious symbols in public due to concerns about their safety. Data published by the European Union Agency also indicated underreporting of antisemitism.5 26. The Reporting Centre for Antisemitism of the Jewish Community of Vienna has published data on antisemitism since 7 October 2023. It recorded a total of 1,520 antisemitic incidents in 2024. Compared to 1,147 incidents in 2023, this represents a shocking increase of 32.5% and could be an underestimation due to underreporting. Of the 1,520 incidents recorded in 2024, the report identified 24 physical assaults, 38 threats, 216 incidents of damage and desecration, 616 mass mailings and 626 incidents of abusive behaviour.6 Such high levels of antisemitism have a strong link with the existence of neo-Nazi groups and growing right-wing populism, as discussed in the subsequent section. 27. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the fact that the Government has taken steps to address antisemitism and to promote Jewish life. She commends the development and publication of the National Strategy against Antisemitism 2.0 and its comprehensive approach to addressing antisemitism. The strategy was published in 2025 as the second national strategy, building on the first such strategy published in 2021. The Special Rapporteur also welcomes the Government’s reported engagement and partnership with Jewish communities in the development of the national strategy and the commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to addressing the scourge of antisemitism. In addition, she commends Austria for the adoption of the Package of Measures against Antisemitism and Antisemitic Disinformation in the Digital Sphere and the passing of the Austrian-Jewish Cultural Heritage Act by the legislature. She also welcomes the fact that equality bodies in Austria can assist in cases of antisemitism. 28. Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur remains seriously concerned about the persistently high levels of antisemitism and the threats to the safety of Jewish people. She urges continued engagement and partnership with Jewish communities to effectively implement the National Strategy against Antisemitism 2.0 and all related legislative and policy provisions. 3. Africans and people of African descent 29. The Special Rapporteur was deeply concerned to hear about the experiences of Africans and people of African descent in Austria. Anti-Black racism constitutes a systemic and pervasive scourge, which appeared to be largely unaddressed. It affects those of African descent, including people who are Austrian through naturalization or birth, as well as African migrants, including those seeking international protection. Manifestations of racism and racial discrimination reportedly include persistent exclusion, hostility, microaggressions and humiliating behaviour experienced during everyday life, including being perceived as “nonAustrian” even when the person concerned is Austrian born. The Special Rapporteur also heard about shocking cases of physical violence, including by neo-Nazi groups, and persistent racial profiling by law enforcement officials, particularly among men who are African or of African descent. Racist bullying and exclusion in schools and racial discrimination in healthcare settings were also consistently reported. Black women face specific manifestations of racial and intersectional discrimination, including being subjected to highly sexualized racial stereotypes and degrading racist treatment in public spaces. The cumulative impact of everyday racism has rendered Black women particularly vulnerable and disproportionately exposed to both verbal and physical abuse. Despite these high levels 4 5 6 8 European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism (Vienna, 2024). Ibid. Jewish Community of Vienna, “Antisemitic cases 2024 in Austria”, 2025.