English Section

Polish human rights expert wins second term on UN anti-racism panel

03.06.2025 11:55
Poland’s Professor Michał Balcerzak has been re-elected to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) for the 2026–2030 term, the Polish Foreign Ministry announced.
Human rights expert Michal Balcerzak
Human rights expert Michal BalcerzakPhoto: Vit Simanek/PAP/CTK

His continued participation in the committee is seen as an opportunity to strengthen Poland’s contribution to the global fight against racism and the protection of human rights.

A legal scholar and human rights expert, Balcerzak is affiliated with the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, in western Poland. The vote took place on 2 June 2025 during the 31st Meeting of the States Parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in New York.

Prof. Michał Balcerzak Prof. Michał Balcerzak. Photo: MSZ

This will be Balcerzak’s second term on the committee. His re-election is a recognition of his professional experience, academic achievements, and prior work within the body - including his service as chair.

CERD is one of the UN’s treaty-based bodies that monitors state compliance with international human rights obligations. The committee is composed of 18 independent experts from around the world. Poland’s continued representation in CERD underscores the country’s commitment to promoting and safeguarding human rights globally.

(mp)

Source: MSZ/X/@PolandMFA/@swiss_un