“Our efforts do not seem to be successful”: Cassis warns of negative dynamics in the field of human rights worldwide

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In his speech on Monday in Geneva, the head of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (EDA) deplored the spread of autocracies around the world and the numerous current conflicts. He specifically mentioned countries in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan as sources of conflict.

Human rights violations and wars feed each other, Cassis said. “Our efforts to eradicate violence do not appear to be successful.”

With dozens of elections scheduled around the world this year, he emphasized the role of the UN in ensuring fair and free voting. Cassis called on all states to participate, noting that Switzerland had applied this year for a seat on the Human Rights Council from 2025 to 2027.

Wars, conflicts and tensions were central at the start of the spring session of the UN Human Rights Council. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, spoke of “seismic global shocks”.

UN Secretary General António Guterres warned of a dangerous drifting of the world into rival power blocs. He called on the world community to come together instead of continuing to give way to hatred and the trampling of human rights.

Difficult times also provide opportunities to show leadership and put justice at the center of the international stage, Guterres said. International humanitarian law, which applies worldwide, sets guidelines for behavior in conflicts and protects civilians, must be respected again.

Many countries accuse the Western world of double standards: while the West denounces the oppression by Iran’s Islamic leadership, it does not sufficiently take into account human rights violations against the Muslim population of the Gaza Strip.

Western countries reject this. In his opening speech, Guterres emphasized that there should be no double standards.

(SDA)

Source:Blick