Switzerland’s Foreign Minister, Ignazio Cassis, has expressed deep concern over the growing disengagement of certain nations from the UN Human Rights Council. Currently, both the United States and Israel are boycotting this Geneva-based body, a move that Cassis believes undermines international commitment to human rights. In his address at the Human Rights Council session, he stated, “Human rights are everyone’s business,” stressing the collective responsibility of all UN member states.
Cassis painted a grim picture of the current global landscape, highlighting vast international political tensions, shrinking democratic spaces, and increasing authoritarianism, which he says affect over half the globe. He noted, “Voters have expressed widespread distrust of their leaders,” indicating that disillusionment among citizens is rising, especially amongst the youth who are becoming radicalised.
He pointed out that while globalisation has indeed reduced poverty, it has also led to de-industrialisation in the West. The challenges posed by digitisation, identity claims, and climate change further exacerbate mistrust in political systems. Amid these struggles, he underlined that Geneva holds a unique responsibility and capability to address such pressing issues.
Proudly, Cassis noted Switzerland’s recent return to the Council for a three-year term, an opportunity for the country to lead discussions on human rights effectively. The session, filled with debate and discussion, will run until April 4, with Switzerland’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Jürg Lauber, taking up the role of Council chair for a year.
Switzerland’s Foreign Minister, Ignazio Cassis, voiced concern over the US and Israel’s boycott of the UN Human Rights Council, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility for human rights. He highlighted increasing global tensions, distrust in leadership, and societal divisions caused by various factors, including climate change and digitisation. Cassis noted Switzerland’s pride in returning to the Council, indicating a proactive stance in addressing these global issues.
Switzerland remains a staunch advocate for human rights, urging all nations to fulfil their responsibilities on an international platform. Minister Ignazio Cassis’s address highlights the alarming trend of disengagement from essential global institutions like the UN Human Rights Council. As tensions rise worldwide, Switzerland’s renewed leadership role in the Council signifies a commitment to fostering dialogue and promoting democratic values among states.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
