In January/February 2023 the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of Switzerland will take place during the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. RFK Human Rights contributed to this cycle’s NGO shadow report on the human rights situation in Switzerland.
The Universal Periodic Review is a United Nations mechanism for states to check up on each other’s human rights adherence. The United Nations explain the process as follows:
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process which involves a review of the human rights records of all UN Member States. The UPR is a State-driven process, under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, which provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations.
As one of the main features of the Council, the UPR is designed to ensure equal treatment for every country when their human rights situations are assessed. The ultimate aim of this mechanism is to improve the human rights situation in all countries and address human rights violations wherever they occur.
Each State prepares a report on its compliance of their human rights obligations and commitments. However, the UPR process also provides for the participation of relevant stakeholders NGOs. They can submit written information which is considered during the review.
RFK Human Rights took the opportunity to participate in this process on the topic of human rights education. The report now clearly states that »There is no obligation to provide HRE in all Swiss schools and by professionals working with children.« and asks for »[The ensurance] that students at all levels of the education system (compulsory and post-compulsory) receive standard obligatory HRE. Include HRE in the training of teachers and education professionals.«