U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Switzerland

42nd Session

As Delivered by Ms. Kelly Billingsley, Deputy Permanent Representative to the Human Rights Council

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

The United States welcomes the delegation from Switzerland. We commend Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to the promotion of democracy and human rights and its support for UN agencies.

In the spirit of constructive engagement, the United States recommends that Switzerland:

1. Promote equality in the workplace by targeting discrimination based on gender or age, including more effectively enforcing rules related to equal pay, and by strengthening policies to ensure women are represented at all levels of management.
2. Ensure persons with disabilities can access education, health services, public spaces, and transportation on an equal basis with others.
3. Consider enacting legislation that addresses abusive use of court systems to interfere with the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association for all.

We wish Switzerland a successful UPR. I thank you.

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