On 27 January 2023, 118 States participated in the Human Rights Council UPR of Switzerland in Geneva. In the review, Switzerland's role as a host state and a country with a strong human rights record were highlighted. During the review, 317 recommendations were addressed to Switzerland. The atmosphere was constructive and the overall assessment of Switzerland was positive.

The UPR is one of the Human Rights Council's main instruments for monitoring human rights around the world. Under the UPR, each UN member state is assessed every five years by the other member states with regard to the human rights situation on its territory. Recommendations are made on how to improve the protection of human rights in certain areas, to review existing legislation and to address identified gaps.

Of the 317 recommendations, the Federal Council accepts 209. In particular, it accepts recommendations on combating gender-based violence and increasing the representation of women in decision-making positions, on strengthening measures against hate speech and discrimination, including awareness-raising on racial discrimination, as well as recommendations on the inclusion of people with disabilities. This position paper is the result of a broad consultation with the federal departments concerned and the cantons, and discussions with other actors outside the Federal Administration.

Implementation of accepted recommendations

The implementation of accepted recommendations at national level is the responsibility of the Confederation and the cantons, within their respective competencies. Switzerland will do so through continued dialogue with all relevant actors until the next UPR cycle. The follow up and mplementation process will be conducted jointly by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).

Human rights in Switzerland: Federal Council presents its position on UN recommendations