All news (2535)
EDA transportiert zwei Anlagen für Trinkwasserproduktion in die Ostukraine (DE)
07.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
Die Humanitäre Hilfe des EDA hat zwei Grossanlangen in die Region Donetsk transportiert, die zur Versorgung der Bevölkerung in der Ostukraine mit Trinkwasser beitragen werden. Es handelt sich um den 11. Einsatz der Humanitären Hilfe seit 2015 zugunsten der Menschen beidseits der Kontaktlinie.
Swiss initiative: intentional starvation of civilians in civil wars is now a war crime
06.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
Following a Swiss initiative, the International Criminal Court (ICC) will from now on be able to prosecute the intentional starvation of civilians in civil wars as a war crime. The ICC Assembly of States Parties took a unanimous decision to this effect earlier today. It strengthens the protection of victims of war.
Swiss diplomat Heidi Grau named OSCE Special Representative for Ukraine
05.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
In a triumph for Swiss diplomacy, the 26th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has opened with the Chairperson-in-Office, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák, appointing Ambassador Heidi Grau as Special Representative for Ukraine. A renowned Swiss expert on Eastern Europe, Ambassador Grau thus assumes a key role in working towards an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis welcomes the news of her appointment and considers this a testament to the reputation Swiss diplomacy enjoys within and beyond the OSCE.
Cooperation with the UN Security Council in the fight against terrorism: Switzerland's pioneering role
05.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland and the United Nations cooperate closely in the fight against terrorism. On Thursday in New York, Switzerland presented to the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) the latest developments in its anti-terrorism measures following last year's visit by UN experts.
Walter Kälin appointed to UN High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement
04.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes UN Secretary-General António Guterres' decision to appoint Swiss law professor Walter Kälin as one of the experts of the UN's newly established High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement, which is tasked with finding solutions to internal displacement and alleviating its impact.
An exhibition to further understanding the importance of humanitarian principles
04.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
Humanitarian action is centred on the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Together with the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is hosting an exhibition and forum for debate on humanitarian action and its founding principles. The art installation will run until March 2020 at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva.
Switzerland increases earthquake aid to Albania
03.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
With the region repeatedly shaken by aftershocks, the rapid response team sent by Swiss Humanitarian Aid (part of the SDC) to the Tirana/Durres area is pursuing three lines of action: The specialists are assessing the stability of damaged houses, aid deliveries have started, and people in the affected areas are to receive financial support.
Adaptation of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics with the European Union
02.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
During its 5th meeting held at Luxembourg on 2 December 2019, the Swiss-EU statistics committee adopted a decision concerning the revision of Annex A of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics. This revision, which results from a decision of the Federal Council from 22 May 2019, thus makes it possible to continue the good statistical collaboration between Switzerland and the EU. The new Annex A comes into force with immediate effect.
Incident at the Swiss embassy in Sri Lanka: State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl summons Sri Lankan ambassador to the FDFA
02.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
Following several demarches from the FDFA over the incident concerning an employee of the Swiss embassy in Colombo, State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl has received the Sri Lankan ambassador to Switzerland based in Berlin, Karunasena Hettiarachchi, in Bern. Ms Baeriswyl confirmed at the meeting that Switzerland supports measures to investigate and settle this matter by due process of law. However, the employee concerned still cannot be questioned on health grounds.
Übergabe des Beglaubigungsschreibens (de)
28.11.2019
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Press release
EDA
Übergabe der Beglaubigungsschreiben der neu in der Schweiz akkreditierten Botschafterinnen und Botschafter
Switzerland receives Liechtenstein's new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture on her first official visit abroad
28.11.2019
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, received Liechtenstein's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture Katrin Eggenberger in Bern on Thursday during her official working visit. The two foreign ministers discussed a number of topics, including this year's centenary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. They also exchanged views on EU relations and on various current international issues.
Strengthening international humanitarian law: Switzerland participates in the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
27.11.2019
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Press release
EDA
Following a decision by the Federal Council on 27 November, Switzerland will participate in the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva from 9 to 12 December. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will lead the Swiss delegation. Switzerland is committed to strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law, one of the key issues to be addressed at the conference. Switzerland also supports the use of new technologies to ensure faster and more efficient humanitarian responses.
