Human Rights Milestones 2025
Human Rights Association
The Independent Association for Human Rights (VMR) has three statutory mandates:
| NMRI National Human Rights Institution |
OSKJ Ombudsman's Office for Children and Youth |
MOBE
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| The NMRI protects and promotes human rights. It is the independent monitoring and advisory body for human rights in Liechtenstein. |
The OSKJ protects and promotes the rights of children and youth. It is the independent monitoring and advisory body for children’s rights in Liechtenstein. |
MOBE protects and promotes the rights of people with disabilities. It is the independent monitoring and advisory body for the rights of people with disabilities in Liechtenstein. |
With this report, the Association is fulfilling its legal obligation to publish an annual report on developments in the human rights situation in Liechtenstein.
In 2025, the VMR notes the following landmark developments in the protection and promotion of human rights:
Marriage for All Takes Effect
The law introducing marriage for all came into effect on January 1, 2025. Marriage for all marks a milestone in the legal equality of same-sex couples and their recognition. Same-sex couples now have equal rights regarding adoption procedures, tax law, inheritance, and pension and social security entitlements. Beyond this legal aspect, “marriage for all” also holds strong symbolic significance, as it demonstrates that love and partnership are of equal value regardless of sexual orientation and receive the same social recognition.
Paid parental leave takes effect
On January 1, 2025, the law introducing paid parental leave came into effect. Parental leave is a key element in ensuring a more equitable distribution of paid and unpaid work between both genders and is thus an important prerequisite for equality. It enables children to be cared for by their primary caregivers during the first months of life, thereby supporting the child’s right to the best possible development and stable bonds. Starting in 2026, retroactive to January 1, 2024, each parent will be entitled to a total of four months of parental leave. Two of these months will be compensated at 80% of the average monthly salary. (For more on this, see the chapter “Equality between Women and Men.”)
Council of Europe AI Framework Convention Signed
The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law (CETS 225) is the world’s first legally binding international treaty on these issues and entered into force on November 1, 2025. It is intended to ensure that activities throughout the lifecycle of AI systems are compatible with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The scope of application is deliberately broad: It covers both public and private entities using AI for surveillance or law enforcement, as well as in employment, healthcare, finance, and education. Liechtenstein signed the convention on February 27, 2025.
New Media Promotion Act Takes Effect
The new Media Promotion Act (LGBl. 2025 No. 68) aims to improve media diversity, the diversity of opinion, and the quality of information. The reorganization of the Media Commission, the increased funding allocation for the continuing education of media professionals, and the planned adoption of a binding code of ethics for journalists are promising measures to promote diverse and high-quality reporting, which forms the basis for informed public discourse. Now, the effectiveness of these measures must still be put to the test in practice.
Equality Strategy Goes Out for Consultation
The long-awaited gender equality strategy entered the consultation phase during the reporting year. In October 2024, the gender equality strategy was developed through a participatory process involving various stakeholders. Subsequently, in the spring of 2025, the first draft—including initial measures to achieve gender equality in Liechtenstein—was put out for consultation. The finalization of the strategy is now scheduled for the spring of 2026, following a significant delay.
Sustainability indicators are being aligned with UN guidelines
The Office of Statistics has been publishing so-called sustainability indicators since 2010. These serve to systematically track Liechtenstein’s development in ecological, economic, and social areas. To ensure international comparability, the indicators were aligned with United Nations guidelines and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in November of the reporting year.
