Human Rights Council President on 58th Session Outcomes and Future Priorities

Key Priorities and Council's Role

• 🎯 The President's main priority is to further enhance the Human Rights Council's central role and expertise within the global human rights architecture.
• 💡 Human rights are emphasized as an integral, yet underserved, pillar of the United Nations, crucial for achieving outcomes on peace, security, and development.
• 🗣️ The council serves as a vital space for dialogue on human rights, particularly important given the current geopolitical context.

Outcomes of the 58th Regular Session

• 📈 The 58th regular session saw high participation, with 121 dignitaries attending the high-level segment.
• ✅ A total of 32 resolutions were adopted, many by consensus, addressing urgent human rights challenges.
• 🤝 Key outcomes include the renewal of mandates for commissions of inquiry (e.g., Syria), resolutions on various countries (Belarus, Iran, Ukraine, etc.), and capacity-building efforts for Haiti and Mali.
• 🧑‍⚖️ A significant step was the establishment of an open-ended intergovernmental working group to draft a legally binding instrument for the protection of the human rights of older people.
• 🌍 Resolutions were also adopted on cultural rights, the right to food, freedom of religion or belief, the right to a clean environment, and neurotechnology.

Addressing Polarization and Inclusivity

• 🤝 Switzerland's experience in multilateralism and consensus-building is seen as valuable in addressing polarization within the council.
• 👂 The President aims to regain diplomatic space by fostering better listening and understanding among delegations to find common ground.
• 🌐 The council is highlighted as a modern, inclusive body, open to observer states and civil society participation, which brings crucial information and expertise.

Technology, Misinformation, and Funding

• ⚠️ The council is actively debating how to contain threats and promote positive uses of modern technology, including addressing misinformation and the use of neurotechnology.
• 💰 The council's functioning relies on services from the UN Secretariat and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, both of which face resource constraints that will impact the council's work.

Special Mandate Holders and Accountability

• 🔍 Regarding allegations of external funding for a special rapporteur's trip, the President noted that the Coordination Committee did not find a violation of the code of conduct.
• ⚖️ Procedures for allegations against mandate holders involve review by the Coordination Committee, with potential communication to the council if persistent non-compliance is found.
• 🗓️ Clarification was provided on the appointment and tenure of special mandate holders, noting they are appointed once and can serve a maximum of six years, with no