The United Nations Human Rights Council has elected its leadership for the coming year, selecting Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland as its President for a one-year term beginning January 1, 2025, according to a statement.
Ambassadors Tareq Md Ariful Islam of Bangladesh, Razvan Rusu of Romania, and Paul Empole Losoko Efambe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were also elected to serve as vice presidents for the upcoming year. Ambassador Efambe will also assume the role of Rapporteur for the Geneva-based body. A fourth vice-president from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States will be elected at a later date.
In his farewell speech, outgoing Council President Ambassador Omar Zniber of Morocco underscored the critical role of the Human Rights Council in preventing harm and fostering a fairer world. “By defending human rights, we can prevent harm before it happens,” he stated, highlighting the Council’s importance as a forum for multilateral dialogue and the global advancement of human rights.
Ambassador Lauber expressed gratitude for his election and emphasized Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to the Council’s mission. “I firmly believe in the mandate of the Human Rights Council and its influence within the UN system,” Lauber said, reflecting on Switzerland’s role in establishing the Council and its ongoing contributions to promoting human rights worldwide. He vowed to ensure a successful year ahead as the Council approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026.
The session also saw the appointment of Albert Kwokwo Barume from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the new Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, taking over from Francisco Cali Tzay of Guatemala.
Additionally, the Council reviewed ongoing efforts to enhance its efficiency, address the digital divide, and improve accessibility for marginalized groups. A statement was also adopted on the long-term efficiency process of the Council, aiming to streamline its operations.
The next Council session is scheduled for December 13, when High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will provide an oral update on the human rights situation in Venezuela.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
