The focus group brought together actors from different fields to facilitate an interdisciplinary exchange on the situation and rights of LGBTIQ detainees. Participants included members of the judiciary, representatives of civil society and NGOs specialising in advising and supporting LGBTIQ people, lawyers, a representative of the Austrian Ombudsman Board, as well as representatives of organisations that advocate for the rights of detainees.

During the event, participants discussed current challenges and good practices regarding the situation and rights of LGBTIQ people in prison in Austria. The project team had the opportunity to present the project findings from Austria to date and to discuss and supplement them in more detail with the participants in working groups and plenary sessions. In addition, the participants had the opportunity to work on specific recommendations for strengthening the rights of LGBTIQ persons in prison. The findings will feed into a report that aims to highlight the current situation and measures to strengthen the rights of LGBTIQ persons in prison in Austria.

The LBI-GMR carries out the project cofounded by the European Union together with partner organisations in Italy, Greece and Hungary. Interdisciplinary focus group discussions have also taken place in the other three countries in November 2024. In March 2025, the partner organisations will come together in Vienna to share challenges and good practices beyond national borders.