Who we are

We are Switzerland's independent national human rights institution. We work on the basis of the Paris Principles of the United Nations. These require the institution to be anchored at the level of the law or the constitution, a comprehensive mandate to protect and promote all human rights, independence of the institution, in particular from other organisations, the government and parliament, a pluralistic composition and sufficient public funding. 

What we stand for

Human rights are rights that every person is entitled to by virtue of their humanity. Human rights have a universal claim of validity. And guarantee human dignity. Human rights protect the central prerequisites of human existence and the essential aspects of the personhood of each individual. Human rights ensure that people can participate equally in society, business and politics. Therefore, human rights are essential pillars of state order and social coexistence.

Human rights are elementary principles and design principles of the rule of law. They impose an obligation on all state bodies to respect and protect their values and to ensure that they are enforced throughout the legal system.

As the independent Swiss Human Rights Institution, we contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights in all areas of life and on all federal levels of government in Switzerland. With all the means at our disposal, we are committed to ensuring that the human rights of all, and particularly those of vulnerable and disadvantaged people, are respected and protected. 

What we do

Our remit – anchored in law – includes information and documentation, research, consulting, human rights education and awareness raising as well as international exchange. They are enshrined in the Federal Act on Measures for the Promotion of Civil Peace and the Strengthening of Human Rights.

For the benefit of the administration, society, politics, and the economy, we analyse and inform about the importance, observance and implementation of human rights in Switzerland. We document, clarify, point out gaps, show opportunities for improvement, initiate dialogue and development, and get involved in political debate. We contribute to the exchange between local human rights actors, politics, business and society, and participate internationally in shaping and promoting human rights.

Globally, we work within the framework of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and throughout Europe within the framework of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), in collaboration with other national human rights institutions.

How we work

• Independent and autonomous
  We are politically, institutionally, and ideologically independent and impartially determine the focus of our content and the use of our resources. We act without bias, responsibly and consistently.

• Competent and evidence-based
  We strive for a high level of quality and professionalism in all areas of our work. We work on the basis of empirical data, scientific research results, and national and international legal foundations.

• Transparent and inclusive
  We provide honest, targeted, clear, and understandable information. We are publicly accountable for our activities and want to give all interested parties access to relevant information.

• Cooperative and diverse
  We are open to dialogue with all segments of the population. We cooperate with authorities on federal levels, in cantons and communities, with academia, civil society and economic entities. We collaborate with affected parties and are engaged in dialogue with our members and stakeholder groups.

• Committed and effective
  We are aware of the importance and responsibility of our task. We want to achieve tangible results and initiate legal and social change in the sense of the comprehensive protection of human rights. 

• Development-oriented and reflective
  We are a continuously growing organisation and setting priorities. Our team will become more diverse and inclusive, our resources will increase. Our room for manoeuvre will grow, our forms of work will develop. We understand development as constant learning, testing, examining, reflection, and improvement.

The Board of the Swiss Human Rights Institution adopted this Mission Statement on 21 December 2023.