The temporary suspension of family reunification is problematic from a human rights perspective, especially with regard to children's rights, and has a negative impact on integration.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR and UNICEF Austria, the National Committee of the United Nations Children's Fund, warn of the serious consequences of the temporary halt to family reunification for refugee families and call on the Federal Government to reconsider its planned measures.

Family reunification as the only safe route to refuge
Family reunification is the main way for refugees to come to Austria legally. It allows families who have been separated during the migration process or while fleeing to be reunited safely without having to resort to dangerous routes. At the same time, family reunification is a predictable process that allows the state to make preparations and create the necessary structures.

"Well-organized procedures protect the right to a family life together and increase the security of all those involved. Fair and speedy family reunification benefits both the persons concerned and the host society: it facilitates integration, strengthens social cohesion and promotes economic stability," says Marian Benbow Pfisterer, Chief of Mission of the IOM Country Office for Austria.

Suspension of family reunification has a negative impact on integration
"Separating families, often with young children, for long periods of time is an immense burden for those affected. Those who are constantly worried about their family members find it much more difficult to concentrate on learning German, finding a job or completing their education," says Christoph Pinter, Head of UNHCR Austria. “The suspension of family reunification counteracts the additional integration measures planned by the new federal government.”

For the families concerned, the restriction on family reunification will not only cause enormous personal suffering but will also have a negative impact on their integration in Austria.

Suspension is also problematic from a children's rights perspective
"The planned measure will hit children particularly hard. They already suffer from being separated from their families for long periods of time. It is often their greatest wish to be reunited with their parents and siblings in safety," says Christoph Jünger, Executive Director of UNICEF Austria. "Every day in the life of a young person is essential for healthy and stable child development. The planned temporary halt to family reunification contradicts the principle of the best interests of the child and other fundamental children's rights."

The family plays a central role in the development and well-being of children. Children with a refugee background are particularly vulnerable and the family is an important anchor that can provide security and stability. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have a right to a family, and states are obliged to ensure that children are not separated from their parents against their will and to process applications for family reunification in a ‘favourable, humane and expedited’ manner.

IOM, UNHCR and UNICEF call on the Austrian government to reconsider the planned suspension of family reunification.

Parliamentary statements
UNHCR Austria and UNICEF Austria have submitted parliamentary statements on this matter:
UNHCR analysis on the planned suspension of family reunification
UNICEF Austria statement on the planned suspension of family reunification

Further enquiries:

IOM Austria
Johannes Horst
Phone: +43 664 38 35 663
Mail: jhorst@iom.int
Website: austria.iom.int

UNHCR Austria
Mag. Ruth Schöffl, MAS
Telefon: +43/1 26060 5307
E-Mail: schoeffl@unhcr.org
Website: www.unhcr.at

UNICEF Austria
Michael Blauensteiner MSc.
Telefon: +43 660 38 48 821
E-Mail: blauensteiner@unicef.at
Website: unicef.at