This year's human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China provided the opportunity for in-depth discussions on the human rights situation in both countries and, at the international level, between representatives of Chinese ministries and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Department of Home Affairs, the Federal Office of Justice and the State Secretariat for Migration. The Chinese delegation was led by Sun Lei, deputy director general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The delegations from Switzerland and China discussed the following key topics: civil and political rights, including the abolition of the death penalty, freedom of expression and the rule of law, with a particular focus on the penal system. Other topics included economic, social and cultural rights – in particular the rights of national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities – as well as the right to education. The two delegations also discussed the rights of women and LGBTQ persons as well as challenges in the area of human rights for people with disabilities, the use of private security companies abroad and priorities in multilateral forums. Switzerland and China also discussed the findings of the Federal Council's report on the situation of Tibetan and Uyghur people in Switzerland (postulate 20.4333).  

Switzerland raised the issue of human rights in specific contexts, in particular the situation of the Tibetan and Uyghur peoples and developments in Hong Kong.
 
Long-standing partnership and the importance of dialogue
The human rights dialogue has been an integral part of bilateral relations between Switzerland and China since 1991. The 17th round of talks took place in Switzerland in 2023. This year, the dialogue also coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The continuation of this format is in line with Switzerland's China strategy and its commitment to the universality and indivisibility of human rights, as set out in its Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27.

Switzerland is actively committed to protecting basic individual rights, in particular the rights of ethnic and religious minorities and freedom of expression. The bilateral human rights dialogue is an important instrument for raising these concerns in a targeted manner and promoting progress. Switzerland maintains a structured dialogue on human rights issues with several countries. In addition to China, these currently include Brazil, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria and South Africa.