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

SIDS Training GHRP News

Practical Training on Human Rights Council Procedures Strengthens SIDS/LDCs Engagement

21 July 2025

Sixteen diplomats from fifteen Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries participated in a two-day Practical Training on Human Rights Council Procedures.

Read more

Human Rights Tiles News

From Signals to Action: Strengthening the UN's Conflict Prevention Efforts

31 March 2025

Our recent research brief series explores how the United Nations' human rights system can enhance its role in early warning and conflict prevention.

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

Enforced Disappearances Event

'Short-term' Enforced Disappearances

23 September 2025, 13:00-14:00

This side event will bring together stakeholders to discuss the growing concerning recurrence to short-term enforced disappearances worldwide, and the challenges they pose for victims and accountability.

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

Town Hall Meeting Training

Localizing International Human Rights

8-10 October 2025

This training course, specifically designed for staff of city and regional governments, will explore the means and mechanisms through which local and regional governments can interact with and integrate the recommendations of international human rights bodies in their concrete work at the local level.

Read more

Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

The Digitalization of Armed Conflict

Started in September 2020

This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.

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