Abstract:

Xenophobia has tripled in Austria in recent years, which disturbs immigrants still living there. Since oral and physical attacks in business life, education and social life have increased, direct and indirect discrimination have reached the extreme point. Many immigrants either experience discrimination in their own world, or they do not use their right of opposition due to their lack of knowledge about protective mechanisms.  For this reason, they give in to the injustice and they suffer from this situation. However, there are rights that can be used in all conditions when being subject to any kind of discrimination. This study includes international treaties Austria have accessed to, European Convention on Human Rights and discriminatory prohibitions and treatments shown in EU directions. On the other hand, it also addresses protection mechanisms against discrimination in the face of rising xenophobia, racism and extreme right. Official bodies and NGOs which were found in accordance with the legislation are examined. By examining these establishments and talking face to face with immigrants, it is tried to be understood that how much influence these institutions have in practical terms. In particular, certain establishments which ostensibly seem functional for protecting rights with regard to their alleged mission, are questioned in terms of whether they are really providing an efficient protection or not. Within this scope, in the light of interviews that were made with immigrants in Austria, general opinion on institutions and experiences of the people getting services, the impact of institutions are searched.

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