Human rights in Switzerland
Human Rights Council
### Human Rights Council

The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) was an initiative put forward by Switzerland in 2006 to replace the prior [United Nations Commission on Human Rights](/wiki/United_Nations_Commission_on_Human_Rights "United Nations Commission on Human Rights"). Since this time, Switzerland has continued to be an active member in all HRC promotion and enforcement internationally.[Switzerland's third term on the Human Rights Council](http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/human-rights_swiss-join-human-rights-council-for-third-time/41746864) Switzerland's third period of membership has recently been approved, following improvements recommended as in the 2012 [Universal Periodic Review](/wiki/Universal_Periodic_Review "Universal Periodic Review")Permanent Representative of Switzerland addresses President of the General Assembly [https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view\_doc.asp?symbol\=A/70/70](https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/70/70) (UPR), which included improving gender equality, youth justice provisions, minimizing racial discriminationUNGA Report Submitted in Accordance with Paragraph 5 of the Annex to HRC Resolution 16/2\.[https://documents\-dds\-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G12/159/48/PDF/G1215948\.pdf?OpenElement](https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G12/159/48/PDF/G1215948.pdf?OpenElement) and combatting excessive use of force by law enforcement.[2015 Report on Switzerland Human Rights](https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/253119.pdf)

In this most recent application to the United Nations, Switzerland deemed protection of human rights on an international level to be one of three main voluntary pledges. Abolishing the death penalty internationally, stricter punishment for human rights violations, combatting discrimination based on sexual orientation and protecting [human rights defenders](/wiki/Human_rights_defender "Human rights defender") are all identified as key policy aims.Permanent Representative of Switzerland addresses President of the General Assembly.[https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view\_doc.asp?symbol\=A/70/70](https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/70/70)

Expanding and strengthening the HRC and its powers is a high priority for Switzerland, with the promotion of universal respect for all human rights being embedded in the nation's constitution. This goal has also been documented in Switzerland's 2015 application to renew HRC membership, as the nation wishes to enhance the participation of [Non\-Governmental Organisations](/wiki/Non-Governmental_Organisations "Non-Governmental Organisations") (NGOs), train all nations on global governance of human rights, and establish support systems for poorer nations to be able to participate further in human rights discussions through financial assistance with delegate's stays in Geneva.


Can stricter punishment for human rights violations really deter perpetrators?