Universal Periodic Review 28: Switzerland
This UK statement was delivered during the 28th session of the Universal Period Review during the discussion of Switzerland's Human Rights Record on 9 November 2017.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
We welcome Switzerland’s ratification of the ILO 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We acknowledge progress and coordination with the cantons to combat human trafficking, and engagement to advance equal rights for the disabled.
We note with concern gaps in existing protection against discrimination for LGBT persons. We encourage more comprehensive legislation to redress this imbalance and urge further consideration to afford same sex couples the right to marry and to become parents.
We have three recommendations:
1.Review the national action plan against human trafficking, strengthening coordination between Confederation, cantons and civil society to ensure a harmonised, robust and victim-orientated response.
2.Establish a permanent and independent Human Rights institution compliant with Paris Principles.
3.Adopt a consistent, open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.