Volker Türk visits Bern: dialogue on the role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Bern, 30.09.2026 — Federal Councillor Beat Jans and State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk in Bern on Wednesday 30 September 2026. Discussions focused on the partnership between Switzerland and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the role of International Geneva, and current human rights challenges. Switzerland also renewed its financial support for the OHCHR for the 2026–27 period.
The head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police Beat Jans had a meeting with High Commissioner Volker Tüurk, which focused on the importance of respecting, promoting and upholding human rights. These are critical factors in ensuring international stability and preventing conflict, and also help to mitigate the drivers of forced and irregular migration. In addition, Mr Jans underscored Switzerland's commitment to defending human rights, with a particular emphasis on migration contexts.
During his meeting that same day with Mr Türk, State Secretary in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel spoke about Switzerland's partnership with the OHCHR. The OHCHR is a key human rights partner for Switzerland, and one of the priority organisations of the country's International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28.
Discussions also focused on the role of International Geneva in the field of human rights. Alexandre Fasel and Volker Türk exchanged views on the reforms carried out as part of the UN80 initiative and on ways to strengthen the effectiveness of multilateralism. They also discussed the implications of the development of artificial intelligence for human rights and the resulting challenges for their protection.
Switzerland renews its support for the OHCHR
Human rights are one of the cornerstones of Swiss foreign policy. There is a direct link between respect for human rights and peace, stability and sustainable development. With this in mind, Switzerland has pledged USD 13 million in renewed financial support for the OHCHR for the 2026–27 period. In doing so, it is contributing to a targeted and effective form of multilateralism that is consistent with the principle of subsidiarity.
In addition to playing its part in strengthening the international order and international law, the OHCHR is active in conflict prevention. In Geneva it provides the secretariat for the Human Rights Council, as well as other international human rights frameworks. With a presence in 83 countries, it monitors the human rights situation, documents violations, advises authorities and supports civil society.