Switzerland

The third round of human rights consultations between Switzerland and Tajikistan took place on 25 April 2012 in the Tajik capital. These meetings take place once a year and their purpose is to identify the progress made by the two parties in the protection and the promotion of human rights. They are the key element in the regular and sustained collaboration that has been in place since 2010. The Swiss delegation was headed by ambassador Paul Koller, special envoy for human rights issues in the Human Security Division of the FDFA.

In order to engage in dialogue with the different parties involved in the promotion of human rights, the Swiss delegation met the ombudsman and members of civil society. It also talked to several representatives of the state and to international organisations working in this field.

The subjects of the talks were as follows: preparation and follow-up of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) within the Human Rights Council, the rights of women and domestic violence, the situation of migrants, the death penalty and detention/torture.

The two parties emphasised the good results that have already been achieved in the framework of these consultations. Since 2010 Switzerland has supported and participated in about 20 projects and initiatives to promote synergies with the programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to ensure effective cooperation with the authorities, the ombudsman's office and NGOs. These projects have led to very specific progress in human rights, for example the assistance offered to authorities and civil society in preparing the UPR support; for a regional conference on the abolition of the death penalty; backing for a working group which should soon present to Parliament an amended version of the draft law on domestic violence.  

Address for enquiries:

Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs