The Geneva-based HRC is the UN's main human rights body and one of the organisation's three central pillars alongside peace and security, and development.
Its mandate is to promote human rights around the world, prevent and respond to breaches of these rights, and support governments to improve the human rights situation in their respective states. Similar to the General Assembly, the HRC president is elected ad personam in order to support this mandate by steering the council's work efficiently and effectively. This includes fostering dialogue between the HRC's rotating member states and other stakeholders, such as civil society.
Mr Lauber's appointment is a historic first for Switzerland, and a mark of recognition for the country's role in human rights engagement as well as its capacity for building bridges between differing groups and positions.
From peacekeeper to HRC president
Originally from Baar (canton Zug), Jürg Lauber studied law at the University of Zurich before joining peace missions in Namibia and Korea's demilitarised zone. In 1993, he entered the FDFA with postings to Bangkok, Bern and Beijing. His solid experience of multilateral diplomacy also includes posts at The Hague as well as the Swiss missions to the UN in New York and Geneva. Mr Lauber will assume the presidency of the HRC on 1 January 2025 in parallel with his current position as head of mission in Geneva.
Switzerland re-elected to council
The HRC is made up of 47 member states who rotate every three years. This is the fourth time that Switzerland has been elected to the council, and the first time that a Swiss diplomat will preside over it. Switzerland was instrumental in the HRC's creation in 2006.
The council's mechanisms ensure that each geographical region is equitably represented, with each regional group having the opportunity to preside over the council every five years. In order to be nominated, the country must also be a current member of the HRC.
For its 2025–27 membership, Switzerland will work to bolster the council's action and impact, and to promote human rights within the UN system as well as their implementation at national level. Its priorities are the universal abolition of the death penalty, prohibition of torture, freedom of expression, women's rights and the protection of minorities. Switzerland will also work to strengthen democratic institutions around the world by supporting electoral standards and emphasising the role of human rights in the context of peaceful demonstrations. Another consideration will be the impact of new technologies – such as digital technologies and neurotechnologies – on human rights.
Switzerland maintains its position that respect for human rights underpins economic and social development, peace and security, and the prevention of violent extremism. A stable world based on the rule of law is also fundamental to the country's prosperity.
Further information:
Déclaration Jürg Lauber (fr)(pdf, 437kb)
Address for enquiries:
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