Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
23.09.2014
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Press releases
EDA
To improve the desperate situation of people affected by the conflict in Syria, Switzerland’s Humanitarian Aid has increased its support measures both for people in Syria and the over three million refugees in the neighbouring states. Switzerland’s budget since the start of the Syrian crisis totals CHF 105 million.
18.09.2014
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has decided to send relief aid to the greater Erbil area in Northern Iraq. The cargo consists primarily of cold weather tents intended to help people displaced by the war to survive the winter. Today, a specialist from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) is flying to Erbil to prepare for distributing the aid. More specialists from the Swiss cooperation office in Amman will join him on the ground.
02.09.2014
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Press releases
EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, received on Tuesday in Bern the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Swiss national Pierre Krähenbühl. The discussion focused on the crises in the Middle East and Switzerland's support for UNRWA.
20.05.2014
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has allocated an additional CHF 4.5 million for the victims of the crisis in South Sudan. This was announced on Tuesday at a conference of donor countries held in Oslo. Switzerland’s overall financial commitment to humanitarian aid for this country in the Horn of Africa will amount to CHF 18 million in 2014.
14.03.2014
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Press releases
EDA
"Living Humanitarian Responsibility" is the title of this year's Annual Conference of Swiss Humanitarian Aid. At the annual conference on 14 March, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Didier Burkhalter, and SDC Director-General Martin Dahinden spoke about Switzerland's humanitarian actors. Swiss experts gave presentations on the response by Swiss Humanitarian Aid to current crises.
26.02.2014
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 26 February 2014, the Federal Council approved a contribution of CHF 33.7 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This contribution covers the period 2014–2015. Through its humanitarian and development aid for millions of refugees, UNRWA plays a key stabilising role in the region.
13.01.2014
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Press releases
EDA
War has been raging in Syria for more than 1000 days; the humanitarian situation in the region is catastrophic. According to UN estimates, approximately 9.3 million people in Syria need humanitarian aid. The number of refugees has more than tripled to 2.3 million over the last 12 months and is expected to exceed 4 million by the end of 2014. In view of the situation, the UN is about to convene another donor conference in Kuwait during which it will call on the international community to provide USD 6.5 billion in assistance this year. Switzerland will pledge additional assistance in response to this appeal for humanitarian aid – the largest the UN has made to date.
20.12.2013
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Press releases
EDA
In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), Switzerland has allocated CHF 800,000 for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to protect internally displaced persons. This commitment is in addition to the support totalling CHF 2.7 million that Switzerland has already earmarked for 2013 for the emergency operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the World Food Programme (WFP), the UNHCR and Médecins sans frontières (MSF).
12.12.2013
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Press releases
EDA
Since the conflict in Syria began, the third winter has now set in. The cold, the rain and the snow are making conditions radically worse for people displaced within the country and those that have fled to neighbouring lands. This situation has prompted Switzerland to donate a further CHF 5 million to the victims of the conflict who are suffering hardship. The money is to be used to fund winter programmes run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and by the UNHCR in Syria, and to provide Save the Children in Jordan with material assistance to withstand the winter.
29.11.2013
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Press releases
EDA
On 4 September 2013, the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) ordered an easing of visa requirements for Syrian nationals with relatives in Switzerland. This measure was aimed at facilitating temporary stay for war-afflicted relatives of Syrians living in Switzerland. As most of the relatives who were in direct need and therefore entitled to facilitated visa requirements have since made use of the measure, the directive was lifted on Friday by the FDJP.
20.11.2013
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Press releases
EDA
Pierre Krähenbühl, current director of operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has been appointed commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by the UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon.
10.10.2013
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Press releases
EDA
On 10 October 2013, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter met the Turkish foreign minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu, at the Lohn Manor in Kehrsatz for talks. Switzerland will expand and consolidate the already intensive relations between the two countries with the aim of creating a strategic partnership with Turkey, which is an emerging power and member of the G20.
11.07.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
In April 2023, the Federal Council decided to establish a memorial in the centre of Bern for the victims of National Socialism. The Federal Council considers it vital to keep alive the memory of the consequences of National Socialism, as well as the fate of the six million Jews and all other victims of the Nazi regime. On the recommendation of the communal parliament of the City of Bern, the Casinoterrasse near the Federal Parliament was selected as the location for the site of remembrance. A call is now being organised to gather proposals for the its creation from multidisciplinary teams in the fields of art, architecture and history.
30.05.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 28 May 2025, the Federal Council once again discussed the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas and made a full assessment of the situation. It is deeply dismayed at the unbearable human suffering and calls for unrestricted humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire. A week ago, the Federal Council allocated CHF 10 million to humanitarian actors in the occupied Palestinian territory. At the same time, Switzerland continues to work internationally for a political solution to the conflict.
21.05.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 21 May 2025, the Federal Council decided to grant CHF 9 million to four humanitarian organisations to support Palestinians affected by the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory. A further CHF 10 million will be allocated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its programme in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. CHF 1 million will also be earmarked to implement the Colonna report's recommendations for reinforcing UNRWA's impartiality.
12.05.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
In recognition of the close and multifaceted relations between Switzerland and Kosovo, the Federal Council has invited Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu and her husband Prindon Sadriu to pay a state visit to Switzerland. President Karin Keller-Sutter will lead the Federal Council in corpore in welcoming President Osmani with military honours on Bundesplatz on Wednesday, 21 May. This will be followed by official speeches and political discussions. The programme the following day will focus on business and innovation.
08.05.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has decided the FDFA will grant CHF 39 million to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), UN Women, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for 2025. By renewing these contributions, the FDFA is also sending out a strong signal in support of International Geneva.
16.04.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 16 April 2025, the Federal Council decided to allocate a total of almost CHF 250 million to support the operations of Switzerland's three main humanitarian partners for 2025 and 2026. The funding will benefit the World Food Programme (WFP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Switzerland is thus reaffirming its support for key humanitarian organisations that provide urgently needed assistance worldwide.
17.03.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
The direction of future developments in Syria remains uncertain since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on 8 December 2024. In view of the scale of needs there, Switzerland reaffirms its support. At the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria, held by the EU on 17 March 2025, the director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Patricia Danzi, announced a contribution of CHF 60 million.
11.12.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Since September 2024, developments in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel have led to the displacement of thousands of people inside Lebanon, depriving them of access to drinking water in particular. Faced with this situation, Switzerland has decided to provide additional expertise and equipment to support ongoing activities in the Bekaa Valley. The aim is to maintain equitable access to water for those affected.
29.10.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Next week the Federal Council, led by President Viola Amherd, will receive the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, for a state visit. The Federal Council’s invitation to President Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová reflects the excellent relations between Switzerland and the Czech Republic. In addition to shared values and vibrant political, economic and cultural exchanges, the two countries share close personal and historical ties.
27.09.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council took a decision concerning the final instalment of the credit for humanitarian operations in the Middle East. A total of CHF 13 million will be used to support national and international organisations working in the region. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has been instructed to consult the foreign affairs committees. In this context, the FDFA informed the Federal Council about how it intends to implement Parliament's decision to reduce the humanitarian credit for 2024. The Federal Council reiterates its call for a diplomatic solution that upholds international humanitarian law and leads to de-escalation and peace in the Middle East.
04.09.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Bern, 04.09.2024 – At its meeting on 4 September 2024, the Federal Council appointed Jacques Gerber to act as Federal Council Delegate for Ukraine. Mr Gerber, who is currently councillor of state for the canton of Jura, will carry out preparatory work for and manage the Federal Council's consolidated 'Ukraine country programme'. The 51-year-old will take up his new post on 1 January 2025.
27.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.
17.12.2019 —
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.
06.11.2019 —
EDA
The United Nations (UN) has announced the resignation of the Commissioner-General for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Pierre Krähenbühl. The announcement follows the launch of an investigation into misconduct allegations involving UNRWA's management. The FDFA notes the resignation and calls for a full and thorough clarification of the facts. Switzerland will withhold payment of its project contributions pending the outcome of the investigation.
10.07.2019 —
EDA
Mr Cassis's visit to Greece has mainly been concerned with the situation of refugees and the challenges posed by migration. On Tuesday, the head of the FDFA visited the refugee camp on Samos and today met Nikos Dendias, who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs this week, and President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.