Jürg Lauber elected president of the UN Human Rights Council

The choice of a Swiss diplomat for the presidency is a recognition not only of their skills but also of Switzerland's role as a state actor strongly committed both to human rights and to building bridges between different groups and standpoints.

Mr Lauber, Switzerland has proven expertise and an excellent reputation in multilateral bodies. The election of a Swiss citizen as president of the Human Rights Council is also a sign of confidence in our country. Is this reflected in your feelings?

Yes. I'm aware of it and I'm honoured. But I also feel a deep sense of responsibility. In the multilateral arena, Switzerland is known for trying to bring divergent viewpoints closer together, and often succeeding. I'll have to live up to that and do my best to promote consensus and boost the HRC's effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.

Switzerland is also known for its credibility and effectiveness. This reputation must be reflected in how I organise the HRC's work, which is not the least of the president's tasks.

Although Switzerland was behind the HRC's creation in 2006, this is the first time that a Swiss citizen will preside over it. Has the time come for Switzerland to assume greater responsibility in this forum?

The obstacle here was actually procedural: this is the first time that Switzerland has even had the opportunity to submit a candidate for the presidency. Because to do so, it's not enough to currently be serving as an HRC member state. It must also be the turn of your country's regional group, of which there are five at the UN. The HRC's rotating presidency system that ensures fair geographical representation means that each group can elect a president from its ranks to a one-year term only once every five years. With the Western group's turn coming up while Switzerland is serving on the council, our presidential stars have aligned for the first time. So our long wait has nothing to do with motivation.

Moreover, the other states in our regional group recognised Switzerland's strong commitment to human rights, agreeing to back my candidacy without opposition.    

The presidency is for one year. What influence will you have on the council's affairs in 2025? What progress can be made?

The council's mandate is to promote human rights worldwide, prevent or address violations and assist states in improving the human rights situations in their countries. The president's main role is to facilitate the discharge of this mandate by managing the council's work effectively and efficiently. In today's geopolitical context, the HRC is in great demand, while its resources remain limited. So 2025 will again be a year in which resources must be concentrated in the areas where they can have the greatest impact.

There's a distinction to be made here: the HRC will have a president of Swiss nationality, not a presidency held by the Swiss state. Is this important?

Yes and no. Procedurally, the president of the Human Rights Council is nominated as an individual, as is the case for the United Nations General Assembly. While a member state's main objective is to promote its own values and interests, the president must first and foremost work to ensure the smooth running of the body they head. Nevertheless, it is clear that the driving force behind this work is the values that the person holding the presidency shares with their country.

From a broader perspective, the president is often associated with their country. Take Joseph Deiss, for example: as president of the General Assembly, he was an extraordinary ambassador for Switzerland, although elected as an individual.  

Can this election help strengthen Switzerland's position within the UN system?

Switzerland's position in the multilateral arena has always been strong, both as a full member of the UN since 2002 and as a host country to over 40 international organisations in Geneva.

Our diplomats defend Switzerland's values and interests vigorously, but also respectfully, knowing that compromise and consensus are not zero-sum games. Our country is respected and listened to.

By taking on special roles, such as the last two years on the UN Security Council or now by becoming a member of the HRC and holding its presidency, we are further raising our profile and gaining influence. Switzerland, with its deep and strong democratic roots, is committed to pursuing an active role in shaping the decisions that affect global peace and security.