Human rights, justice and rule of law

“People want social and economic systems that work for everyone. They want their human rights and fundamental freedoms to be respected. They want a say in decisions that affect their lives. ​[...] food, healthcare, water and sanitation, education, decent work and social security are not commodities for sale to those who can afford them, but basic human rights to which we are all entitled […]" UN SG (July 2020)

​Human rights (HR) are rights (civil, cultural, economic, political & social). They are inherent in all human beings, irrespective of nationality, place of residence, sex, gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. Human rights are universal, interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. They are guaranteed by law, in treaties and customary international law. These oblige States & other duty-bearers to respect, protect and fulfil human rights of individuals and groups, without discrimination.

SDG implementation and promoting human rights go hand in hand. M​ore than 90% of SDG targets and indicators are based on international human rights standards. Poverty is a result of the denial of human rights and human rights violations a major obstacle for sustainable development.

Thus, to promote human rights is integral part of Switzerland's poverty reduction mandate. It is essential for the implementation of the Swiss Strategy on International Cooperation 2021-24 (especially sub objectives 7-10). SDC reconfirmed its human rights commitment with the SDC guidance on human rights in 2019​.​​​