Human Rights dialogue between Switzerland and China

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Berne, 31.03.2006 - The ninth round of the human rights dialogue between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China was held in Bern from 27 to 29 March 2006. It took place in an open and constructive atmosphere. At this round, the talks focused on the dimension of human rights in the economy, and included meetings with union heads and employer representatives. The discussions also covered various projects for co-operation, for example in the administration of punishments, as well as the creation of the Human Rights Council within United Nations system.

Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China have been conducting a human rights dialogue since 1991. The aim is to encourage the introduction of a process to improve the human rights situation in China. The dialogue is supplemented by an exchange of experts and by co-operation on joint projects to promote human rights.

At this year’s round, particular emphasis was given to the dimension of human rights in the economy. For this reason, a meeting on the issue of social partners was organised in Bern between representatives of unions and employers as well as with Rolf Bloch, the mediator in the industrial dispute at Swissmetall in Reconvillier. In addition, at the invitation of the Swiss Re Center for Global Dialogue, in Zurich, the delegations met representatives of Swiss companies and specialists from the University of Zurich.

The delegations also visited the Institute of Federalism of the University of Fribourg, where they discussed the issue of the treatment of minorities. In addition, an exchange of information took place with Swiss prison experts.

The Swiss delegation expressed their concerns with regard to the human rights situation in China, as well as their hope for an improvement in various areas which are addressed in depth within the framework of this dialogue. Switzerland pays special attention to the situation of the Tibetan and Uygur minorities in China.

The parties were able to agree on a number of co-operation projects, in particular in the field of the administration of punishments. Moreover, co-operation with China in the context of international institutions was examined in light of the recent decision to create a Human Rights Council within the United Nations. 

The nine-member Chinese delegation included specialists from the fields of social partnership, human rights, justice, security and international organisations. The nine-member Swiss delegation comprised members of the DFA, and was headed by Ambassador Thomas Greminger, head of Political Affairs Division IV.

For further information:
Federal Department of foreign affairs
Political Affairs Division IV
Thomas Greminger, Ambassador
Phone 031 322 30 50

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Address for enquiries

For further information:
Federal Department of foreign affairs
Political Affairs Division IV
Thomas Greminger, Ambassador
Phone 031 322 30 50

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Publisher

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html