The change of government in Syria also had an impact in the Human Rights Council chamber at the Palais des Nations. The Syrian delegation engaged constructively in the proceedings, which culminated for the first time in the adoption by consensus of a resolution that Switzerland considers a step towards peace and stability. However, problems remain. Switzerland expressed its concern about the violence along the Syrian coast, which has claimed hundreds of lives, and urged the parties to respect international law and ease tensions through dialogue.
Switzerland reiterated its support for Ukraine in the face of the war against Ukraine and spoke in favour of extending the mandate of the independent international commission of inquiry to document human rights violations, in order to ensure that truth, justice and reparation can be achieved.
Switzerland also supported the resolution on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, a text reaffirming the principle of the two-state solution.
Combating the death penalty
Our country expressed its deep concern at the increase in capital punishment in Iran; the Iranian authorities were urged to limit the use of the death penalty to the most serious crimes, pending its abolition.
For Switzerland, the right to life is fundamental. Without the right to life, no other human right can be respected. That is why it is one of Switzerland's thematic priorities. Its advocacy takes time but bears fruit: at the Human Rights Council, Zimbabwe's Attorney General Virginia Mabiza emphasised the role played by Switzerland in the process that led to the abolition of the death penalty in her country on 31 December 2024.
Human rights and technology
Among the thematic resolutions adopted, the one on the relationship between human rights and neurotechnologies stands out, and Switzerland was part of the working group that drew it up. The text emphasises the need to make neurotechnologies safe and accessible to all, and to develop guidelines for applying human rights standards to them.
Protecting human rights with regard to new technologies is taking on increasing importance. It serves as an example of the urgent challenges facing the HRC.
At the session's opening on 24 February, FDFA head and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis called on the HRC to show unity and determination, saying that now is the time to overcome differences and take concerted action to defend the principles of peace and stability.
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