The latest addition

This was the culmination of an idea that originated in Switzerland. In 2003 Swiss law professor Walter Kälin was commissioned by the Federal Council to consider possible ways of reforming the discredited UN Commission on Human Rights. He developed the concept of the Human Rights Council. With the backing of Switzerland and Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey, the idea of a Human Rights Council obtained a clear majority within the UN. As an active member of the Council and as host state, Switzerland is now trying to ensure that the Council can work in good conditions.