The members of the AOB take stock increase in complaints and investigative proceedings in my socio-political area of competence to the fact that precarious employment relationships and the working poor have long ceased to be peripheral phenomena. The problematic situations that result from this are an existential burden and threat to more and more people and their families. Although the number of those employed has been rising overall, in 2014, the unemployment rate sadly reached record figures. For the first time since 1955, the unemployment rate as defined nationally (i.e. percentage of unemployed persons of the total of non-self-employed and unemployed persons) rose to two digits and as of the end of December 2014 was 10.2 %. Looking at economic and labour market forecasts, the number of those affected by unemployment is supposed to continue to increase until 2018. It is therefore not surprising, that complaints with regard to labour market administration and the needsbased minimum benefit system are rising sharply under such conditions. It is due to this fact that the so-called “activating labour market policy” creates pressure, because it makes sanctions possible and sometimes even has an exclusionary effect without eliminating dire situations or arranging for gainful employment that pays a living wage. One can see why people are dissatisfied, when looking at unspecific qualification measures and training that are perceived as useless or stigmatising and that do not increase the possibility of obtaining permanent employment. As a consequence, giving those who have to use the services of the Public Employment Service Austria more co-determination and the possibility to participate presents a major challenge. Instruments and processes are necessary to bring their expertise in execution into the political decision-making structures as well, for example the Board of Directors of the Public Employment Service Austria. I can give a largely positive summary of the AOB’s preventive human rights work during the past year. In addition to measurable successes by the NPM (e.g. elimination of net beds) – the implementation of which actually reduces the risk of violations of the law – we can also see the effects of an intensive dialogue that has taken place with responsible decision makers. Recognising and pointing out risk factors for intrusions into and violations of human rights through the work of our commissions and consistently working together with those affected to achieve improvements is a demanding process, but one that creates sustainable change. One of our main objectives is to raise awareness on all levels for the fact that persons who are dependent on help, nursing care or other forms of support are entitled to humane treatment, autonomy and self-determination. Moreover they must not subordinate themselves due to a lack of sufficient resources, (structural) institutional violence or inflexible and unsuitable settings. Measures that enable social inclusion for everyone without discrimination are not an act of charity but are absolutely essential in a democratic and values-oriented society. This applies not only – but especially – to persons with disabilities, children and adolescents who are growing up away from their families, as well as persons requiring nursing 13