Bern, July 8, 2025 — Switzerland placed women’s rights, gender equality, and the fight against discrimination at the forefront of its efforts during the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. The session, which lasted three and a half weeks, concluded today under the shadow of budget constraints affecting the entire UN system.
Amid a global trend of declining respect for the rule of law, Switzerland reaffirmed its strong commitment to human rights. A key focus during the session was on promoting the rights of women and girls, who continue to face widespread discrimination and setbacks in many parts of the world. The Swiss delegation stressed that women are particularly affected by armed conflicts, violent extremism, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare — factors that also contribute to increased poverty.
Switzerland underlined that ensuring equal access to resources and the full participation of women and girls is essential for sustainable development and a more just society.
Addressing violations in Afghanistan and protecting LGBT rights
Switzerland used the Council platform to condemn the systematic violations of women’s rights in Afghanistan, including their exclusion from public life, bans on education and employment, and restrictions on freedom of movement.
The Swiss delegation also expressed concern over continuing violence and discrimination against LGBT individuals, reaffirming the country’s long-standing support for non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
As part of its engagement, Switzerland supported the renewal of two key UN mandates:
- The Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.
- The Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Both mandates are tasked with documenting human rights violations and monitoring the evolving situation of affected groups worldwide.
Civic Space, Minority Rights, and International Law
Another priority for Switzerland was the protection of civic space. During the session, a resolution was adopted on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Switzerland emphasized the need to safeguard civil society participation and ensure the safety of journalists, underlining that a healthy civic space is vital for democratic societies.
Switzerland also continued its advocacy on behalf of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly the Rohingya in Myanmar, and reiterated its commitment to international humanitarian law and human rights in Ukraine.
Budget Cuts Prompt Adjustments
The 59th session was notably impacted by budget constraints across the UN system. Under the leadership of Swiss diplomat Jürg Lauber, President of the Human Rights Council, a set of cost-saving measures was adopted to streamline the Council’s work. This included shortened speaking times and a reduced session duration.
While Switzerland supported the need for rationalization, it also stressed the importance of preserving civil society participation in the Council’s processes. The country highlighted the value of including not only states, but also academia, private sector actors, and NGOs in multilateral dialogue — a hallmark of Geneva’s unique position in international diplomacy.
