Opening Lecture by the President of the Human Rights Council

24 February 2025

Following his election as President of the Human Rights Council, we had the honour of welcoming Ambassador Jürg Lauber for the Geneva Academy's Spring Semester Opening Lecture on the 19 February 2025.

The Human Rights Council: Law, Politics, or Both?

During the lecture, Ambassador Lauber explained the role of the Human Rights Council (HRC), outlining its legal and political dimensions. He noted that while both elements are present, the Council has a predominantly political character, despite its mandate emanating from international law. This does not in any way diminish its importance or impact.

Ambassador Lauber said, 'I am convinced of the need for political debate and the power of public awareness. The Council is the ideal place for this, and it is unique among the bodies of the United Nations system, as it offers wide access and a broad range of participation to actors beyond Governments.'

Academic Insights and Policy Connections

The role of the HRC in shaping international human rights norms is closely linked to academic research and informed policy discussions. Institutions like the Geneva Academy, the Geneva Graduate Institute, and the University of Geneva play a critical role in bridging research and practice.

The event was introduced by Paola Gaeta, Director of the Geneva Academy, and Christian Bovet, President of the Geneva Academy Board, who stressed the significance of this discussion in the current global context. Building on this, Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute, drew attention to a recent publication by Professor Jussi Hanhimäki, who calls for a new type of multilateralism, ‘that does not depend on any one country’s mood swings.’ She underscored our collective responsibility to uphold and defend fundamental human rights.

Audrey Leuba, Rector of the University of Geneva, highlighted the fundamental role of universities and academic institutions in maintaining scientific integrity and fostering critical discussions on human rights.

Acknowledging Geneva’s historical and institutional role in supporting the HRC and fostering multilateral cooperation, Nathalie Fontanet, President of the State Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, recalled the city's long-standing commitment to these efforts. Andrew Clapham, Professor at the Geneva Graduate Institute and former Director of the Geneva Academy, then described the Human Rights Council as ‘the conscience of the world'.

The Geneva Academy and the Human Rights Platform

As part of its commitment to strengthening engagement with human rights mechanisms, the Geneva Academy has established the Human Rights Platform, a space for fostering dialogue between diplomats, UN experts, and civil society. Ambassador Lauber emphasized the importance of informal spaces for honest discussions between parties with different views and welcomed the platform’s Lake Room events, which bring together delegations with differing perspectives to foster constructive discussions.

A Debate that Continues

As the Geneva Academy continues its mission of bridging academia and practice, this event reinforced the significance of rigorous academic inquiry and policy engagement in advancing human rights globally. The discussions initiated during the lecture serve as a reminder that human rights require ongoing debate, cooperation, and commitment at all levels.

The video of the lecture can be found here.