Event information

19 February 2025, 18:00-21:00
Register start 20 January 2025
Register end 19 February 2025

Downloads

Flyer >
Programme >

Opening Lecture by Ambassador Jürg Lauber

Event

Portrait of Ambassador Jürg Lauber Portrait of Ambassador Jürg Lauber

The United Nations Human Rights Council: A Body of Law or Politics?

The United Nations Human Rights Council plays a vital role in the global promotion and protection of human rights. However, it faces growing challenges as it navigates between its fundamental legal mission and the political influences that impact its operations. These geopolitical tensions reflect the complexity of advancing human rights within an international system characterised by divergent interests and national priorities.

Switzerland’s re-election to the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term, after a six-year absence, underscores its long-standing commitment to human rights and multilateralism. This election, along with the appointment of Ambassador Lauber as President of the Council – a first for Switzerland – highlights the recognition of its active role in fostering constructive dialogue between states.

During this conference, Ambassador Lauber will examine the challenges and opportunities facing the Council as it strives to balance legal imperatives with geopolitical realities. This reflection is rooted in Switzerland’s policy to strengthen international mechanisms and the broader human rights system.

Speakers

The main speaker for this conference will be:

  • Jürg Lauber, President of the United Nations Human Rights Council

The conference will also feature the following distinguished speakers:

  • Paola Gaeta, Director of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, andProfessor at the Geneva Graduate Institute
  • Christian Bovet, President of the Geneva Academy Board and Honorary Professor at the University of Geneva
  • Nathalie Fontanet, President of the State Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva
  • Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute
  • Audrey Leuba, Rector of the University of Geneva
  • Andrew Clapham, Professor at the Geneva Graduate Institute

Reception

A reception will follow the presentation.

 

Disclaimer

This event may be filmed, recorded and/or photographed on behalf of the Geneva Academy. The Geneva Academy may use these recordings and photographs for internal and external communications for information, teaching and research purposes, and/or promotion and illustration through its various media channels (website, social media, newsletters, annual report, etc.).

By participating in this event, you are agreeing to the possibility of appearing in the aforementioned films, recordings and photographs, and their subsequent use by the Geneva Academy.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

disops News

Impact of digital disinformation unpacked in new research brief series

9 April 2025

Our new series of Research Briefs examine the impact of digital disinformation and potential solutions for its regulation

Read more

Portrait of Dominik Rastinger News

Executive Master of Advanced Studies in International Law in Armed Conflict: What Participants Say

11 March 2025

Dominik Rastinger, the Senior Political Adviser at the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, enrolled in our online Executive Master, tells about the programme and what it brings to his career.

Read more

Digital Globe Event

AI and Human RIghts: Risks and Promises - Panel at the 2025 LATSIS Symposium

10 September 2025, 16:30-17:45

This Human Rights Conversation will explore how AI is being used by human rights institutions to enhance the efficiency, scope, and impact of monitoring and implementation frameworks.

Read more

Special Rapporteur Sign Event

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in an Era of Escalating Armed Conflict: Where Can International Human Rights Law Help?

25 September 2025, 18:30-20:00

This evening dialogue will present the publication: International Human Rights Law: A Treatise, Cambridge University Press (2025).

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

10-14 November 2025

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

First annual conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Project

The Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

Started in June 2019

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more