Press Release
The United Nations Human Rights Council has elected Swiss Ambassador Jürg Lauber as its President for 2025 during its 19th organizational session held in Geneva. Ambassador Lauber will succeed Federico Villegas of Argentina, who served as the Council’s President in 2024.
Ambassador Lauber brings extensive diplomatic experience to the role. Currently serving as Switzerland’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, he has previously held senior diplomatic positions, including Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York, Swiss Ambassador to Nepal, and Head of the United Nations and International Organizations Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Lauber expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by member states and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Council’s role in promoting and protecting human rights globally. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration among member states, observers, and civil society in achieving the Council’s objectives.
The Human Rights Council, comprising 47 members states, serves as the United Nations’ principal body for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. Established in 2006, the Council meets in Geneva to discuss human rights issues and provide recommendations and reports on violations and related challenges.
Looking ahead, the Council is expected to face several significant challenges in 2025, including addressing ongoing human rights violations in conflict zones, advancing the rights of women and children, combating discrimination and racism, and tackling the impact of climate change on human rights. Under Ambassador Lauber’s leadership, the Council is anticipated to enhance its effectiveness and transparency in addressing these pressing issues.
