UN Human Rights Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis presents Switzerland's priorities for strengthening human rights
Bern, 23.02.2026 — Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis announced the publication of the new Guidelines on Human Rights 2026–29 during his opening address to the high-level segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today. Before an international audience, he reaffirmed Switzerland's long-term commitment to protecting and promoting human rights.
“Human rights are not a luxury, they are a necessity — a compass”. In announcing the new guidelines to the UN Human Rights Council, Mr Cassis underscored the central importance of human rights to Switzerland's foreign policy and reaffirmed the country's commitment to the universal respect of human rights and to actively and effectively championing these rights where they are most under threat.
Respect for human rights worldwide is a central objective of Swiss foreign policy. It is enshrined in the Federal Constitution and set out in the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. The new Guidelines on Human Rights specify how this objective will be achieved by setting out the principles, priorities and instruments for effective action by Swiss human rights diplomacy in the period 2026–2029.
At a time of profound geopolitical, social and technological upheaval, fundamental freedoms, democratic participation and the rule of law are undergoing significant changes worldwide, and pragmatic approaches are needed. At the same time, the international human rights system is highly polarised, and the principle of universality is increasingly being called into question. The new guidelines take account of these developments.
Switzerland is therefore focusing on the consistent implementation of existing international commitments and on addressing established priority areas: the defence of freedom of expression, the worldwide abolition of the death penalty, the absolute prohibition of torture, the protection of minorities, and the strengthening of the rights of women and girls. Switzerland is also continuing its activities in the areas of business and human rights and sustainable development. The impact of digitalisation on human rights is systematically taken into account as a cross-cutting theme across all priorities.
Bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Human Rights Council session
Federal Councillor Cassis also seized the opportunity for various bilateral talks. In particular, he held talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the foreign ministers of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan; Kyrgyzstan, Jeenbek Kulubayev; Palestine, Varsen Aghabekian; and Venezuela, Yván Gil. Mr Cassis also joined the UN Secretary-General at a ceremony marking the completion of the Portail des Nations building, the future UN visitor centre in Geneva. From May 2026, this will provide the general public with a place to discover and better understand the fundamentals of multilateralism and the role and work of the UN organizations based in Geneva.