Promoting and protecting human rights globally is a core objective of Swiss foreign policy. Respect for human rights is enshrined in the Swiss Federal Constitution and reflected in various international agreements to which Switzerland is a party. Switzerland is also the host state for the Human Rights Council and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In 2006, it played a key role in the establishment of the Human Rights Council. Today, Switzerland was elected to the Human Rights Council for the fourth time and will serve from January 2025 until the end of 2027. Alongside Switzerland, 46 other states will serve on the UN's most significant intergovernmental body in the field of human rights during this period.

During its term on the Human Rights Council, Switzerland will work to strengthen the institution, promote human rights across the UN system, and implement them at national level. Its key priorities are the worldwide abolition of the death penalty, enforcing the prohibition of torture, promoting freedom of expression, and protecting minorities and women's rights. In addition, Switzerland will work to strengthen democratic institutions globally by promoting electoral standards and emphasising the role of human rights in peaceful protests. In this context, Switzerland will also address the impact of new technologies, such as cyber, digital, and neurotechnologies, on human rights.

As a bridge-builder, Switzerland will foster dialogue and cooperation among all states and contribute to solutions founded on international norms and standards. Ensuring the inclusion of civil society in the work of the Human Rights Council is a key concern for Switzerland.

The UN and human rights
The UN Human Rights Council is one of the UN's main bodies dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights. Its mandate includes addressing human rights violations worldwide, setting international standards, and promoting human rights, for example, through providing technical support to states. The Human Rights Council comprises 47 member states and is based in Geneva.

Successful election: Switzerland to take a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025–27 term