Press releases

Official meeting with the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs

11.01.2013 — Press releases EDA
An official working meeting has taken place in La Chaux-de-Fonds between Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and his Cypriot counterpart Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis. Their talks focused on the signing of the bilateral agreement on the protection of cultural goods. The purpose of this agreement is to contribute to the preservation and the exchange of the cultural heritage and to prevent the illicit trade in protected archaeological cultural goods. The two foreign ministers also discussed EU policy and the situation in the eastern Mediterranean in the light of the civil war in Syria.

Switzerland wants to increase aid to Syrian civilians

30.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has submitted a request to Parliament to increase the funds available for humanitarian aid to the people of Syria to CHF 5 million. This interim funding is intended to build up the underfinanced programmes of the international organisations currently providing support in the region. The Federal Council notes that the humanitarian situation in Syria is steadily deteriorating and that the affected sections of the Syrian population are urgently in need of more support before winter sets in.

Switzerland provides Syrian refugees in Turkey with support

19.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA is providing the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with support to the amount of CHF 500,000 from the funds of Swiss Humanitarian Aid to help Syrian refugees in Turkey. The money will be used to purchase heaters, stoves, winter clothes and other items, all of which should help to make life in the refugee camps more bearable in the face of the coming winter. In addition, Switzerland is also sending a Humanitarian Aid expert to assist the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in the region.

International Organization for Migration: Federal Council recommends ratification of the amendments to the IOM Constitution

14.11.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has approved the Dispatch to Parliament on Ratification of the Amendments to the Constitution of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The amendments will strengthen the functioning of the IOM.

Syria: "You have to focus on each life saved"

08.11.2012 — Article DEZA

Interview with Manuel Bessler, Humanitarian Aid Delegate of the Swiss Confederation

Since the outbreak of the conflict in March 2011, the humanitarian situation in Syria has continued to deteriorate. The violent confrontations are causing severe suffering in the civilian population; there are shortages of medical care, food, and water. More than 300,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries. We asked Manuel Bessler, Humanitarian Aid Delegate of the Swiss Confederation, about the support being provided by humanitarian aid actors in the field.

Better protection for persons displaced by natural disasters

02.10.2012 — Press releases EDA
Norway and Switzerland intend to set up an international agenda for the protection of persons forced to leave their country as a consequence of natural disasters. The Nansen Initiative was launched in Geneva on 2 October 2012 in the presence of Steffen Kongstad, Norway's Ambassador to the UN, and Manuel Bessler, the Federal Council delegate for humanitarian aid. The initiative aims to address the need for normative and institutional measures to protect those affected.

Official Visit to Switzerland by UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi

10.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi is on an official visit to Switzerland from 10 to 12 September 2012. On Monday he held talks in Berne with State Secretary Yves Rossier, Director-General of the SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Martin Dahinden, Federal Council Delegate for Humanitarian Aid Manuel Bessler and various members of parliament. Switzerland has decided to pledge an additional one million Swiss francs in support of Palestinian refugees affected by the conflict in Syria.

One year since the approval of the special credit for the Horn of Africa

20.08.2012 — Article DEZA

Emergency relief and food security are focal points of Swiss aid

A year ago, the Federal Council approved a special credit of CHF 20 million to help relieve the situation in the Horn of Africa where more than 13 million people were suffering from hunger. Extreme drought caused one of the most severe humanitarian crises in 30 years in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. Swiss Humanitarian Aid allocated the funds mainly for life-saving measures and food security.

Crisis in Syria: Interview with Martin Zirn, Swiss expert on mission for the UNHCR

10.08.2012 — Article DEZA

Thousands of Syrians fleeing to northern Iraq

Martin Zirn is a member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit with many years’ experience including several postings to Iraq as an expert in shelter construction, water and sanitation projects. Since the outbreak of the crisis in neighbouring Syria, tens of thousands of people have fled the country including several thousand to northern Iraq. Zurich-based Martin Zirn has been seconded to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) by the Humanitarian Aid of the Swiss Confederation as a senior technical co-ordinator and project head.

Official visits by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to Lebanon, Cyprus and the United Kingdom

26.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter is paying an official visit to Lebanon on 27 and 28 July 2012. The head of the FDFA intends to express Switzerland's support to this country, which is being directly affected by the crisis in Syria. He also seeks to obtain a picture of the humanitarian situation in the region. He will then proceed to Cyprus, which recently assumed the presidency of the EU, after which he will travel to the United Kingdom. In both these countries he will be outlining Switzerland's European policy.

Afghanistan: Cooperation Office opened 10 years ago

09.07.2012 — Article DEZA

The Swiss Cooperation Office in Afghanistan celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2012. Subject to fundamental changes, Afghanistan is one of the so-called «fragile» states. Given this complex and volatile context, the SDC is stepping up its commitment in an effort to prevent the achievements so far from being undone. Elisabeth von Capeller, head of the Division South Asia, visited the country from 6–11 June 2012 and shares her impressions. Furthermore, the exhibition “New Afghanistan through Afghan Eyes” proposes to discover the many facets of this country through the photographs of young Afghan artists.

Repatriation and reintegration of Afghan refugees

10.05.2012 — Article DEZA

The aim of the International Conference on Afghan Displacement, held in Geneva on 2-3 May 2012, was to find sustainable solutions for Afghan refugees. The new strategy endorsed by the conference primarily supports voluntary repatriation, sustainable reintegration and assistance to host countries. The conference can be regarded as a success for Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan in view of the support pledged by the international community, and for Switzerland as the host country and facilitator for implementation of the new strategy.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Hungary and the Western Balkans

21.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Wednesday, 22 May, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Budapest to meet with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó and Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Bóka. He will also pay a courtesy visit to President Tamás Sulyok. Hungary will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024. Following his visit to Hungary, Mr Cassis will travel to Montenegro on 23 May at the invitation of Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic, before meeting Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali in Belgrade on Friday, 24 May.The meetings will focus on Switzerland's bilateral relations with the three countries, European policy and the European security situation.

The Federal Council intends to release CHF 10 million for emergency aid in Gaza

08.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 8 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to make a contribution of CHF 10 million to the humanitarian aid appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The CHF 10 million contribution is exclusively earmarked for Gaza and will be used to provide the urgent assistance specified in the UNRWA Flash Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory covering the period April–December 2024. In its overall assessment, the Federal Council drew on the analysis of the Colonna report and coordination with other donors. The Federal Council will submit this decision to the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation.

Humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa: Switzerland increases aid for people in Sudan

15.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.

Conflicts and crises lead to increase in ODA in 2023

11.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
In 2023, Switzerland's official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 4.64 billion, equivalent to 0.60% of its gross national income (GNI), more than a quarter of which came from asylum-related costs in Switzerland. Excluding these asylum costs, the ODA/GNI ratio was 0.43%.

Federal Councillor Cassis in East Africa: talks focus on bilateral relations and the regional security situation

21.03.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, officially concluded his multi-day trip to East Africa today with a visit to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, following earlier stops in Ethiopia and Djibouti. Mr Cassis' talks with the presidents and foreign ministers of the three countries focused on bilateral relations, regional challenges and opportunities, and multilateralism. The trip also provided important insights for the new Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy that is currently being drawn up.

Switzerland reaffirms solidarity with Ukraine

15.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
During the official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Bern on Monday 15 January, Switzerland and Ukraine acknowledged the depth and dynamism of their bilateral relations. The Swiss government delegation, led by President Viola Amherd, underscored Switzerland's continued solidarity with Ukraine. Another key item on the agenda was the follow-up to the meeting of national security advisers hosted in Davos on Sunday within the framework of the Ukrainian peace formula. Switzerland expressed its willingness to organise a high-level summit.

Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the 2024 WEF Annual Meeting

12.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos next week. Six members of the Federal Council will be attending. President Viola Amherd will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab on Tuesday, 16 January.

Switzerland steps up winter aid for Ukrainians

20.12.2023 — Press releases EDA
Facing the severe challenges of an unforgiving winter, millions in Ukraine find themselves in dire need of assistance. In response, Switzerland's federal government is supporting the beleaguered Ukrainian population this winter too with targeted action and an additional CHF 11.8 million in aid. This brings the total investment in winter relief measures up to around CHF 26 million.

Switzerland to co-host second Global Refugee Forum in Geneva

12.12.2023 — Press releases EDA
Together with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Switzerland will host the second Global Refugee Forum from 13 to 15 December 2023 in Geneva. The main objective of the forum is to bolster the effectiveness of aid provided to people fleeing from violence and crises, and to improve global coordination in this regard. The forum will take stock of the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees to date and seek to strengthen the commitment of the international community in this area. At the forum, Switzerland will reaffirm its support for the protection and integration of refugees both in Switzerland and abroad. In addition to the federal government, Swiss cantons, cities and civil society will contribute to this effort.

President Berset and Federal Councillor Cassis receive Hungary’s Prime Minister Orbán

21.11.2023 — Press releases EDA
On Tuesday 21 November, federal councillors Alain Berset, president of the Swiss Confederation and Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received a courtesy visit from a delegation from Hungary headed by the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. The exchange centred on bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy objectives, Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2024 and current international issues.

President of the Republic of Moldova pays official visit to Switzerland

18.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
On Wednesday, 18 October, a Federal Council delegation led by President Alain Berset received Moldovan President Maia Sandu on an official visit to Switzerland. Talks focused on the impact on Moldova of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine as well as bilateral cooperation. The programme for Thursday, 19 October, includes a visit to a pharmaceutical company in Basel and a panel event at ETH Zurich.

Federal Councillor Cassis travels to Chisinau for fourth Moldova Support Platform

13.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland next Tuesday 17 October at the fourth ministerial conference of the Moldova Support Platform in Chisinau. This platform’s aim is to promote internationally coordinated assistance for the Republic of Moldova. Moldova faces numerous challenges and difficulties, especially owing to Russia's military aggression against neighbouring Ukraine.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

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.

FDFA notes resignation of UNRWA Commissioner-General

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.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Samos refugee camp and meets new Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs

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.

Switzerland is endeavouring to tackle the causes of displacement

29.11.2016 — Article DEZA

Didier Burkhalter will be speaking at a panel discussion entitled ‘Displacement – the global challenge of the 21^st century’, which is being held at the University of Zurich in connection with the ‘DISPLACED’ exhibition at the National Museum Zurich. In this interview he talks about Swiss foreign policy in the area of migration.

Perspectives on displacement at the National Museum Zurich

28.10.2016 — Article DEZA

DISPLACED opens on 29 October 2016 at the National Museum Zurich. The exhibition gives visitors a glimpse of what it means to have to give up one's home, family, work and country. The SDC is taking part in the exhibition.

UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants: the international community's responsibility – Switzerland's commitment

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

The first United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants is taking place on 19 September 2016 in New York and will see the international community adopt joint measures in response to the large movements of refugees and migrants. Switzerland will be focusing in particular on improving protection on the ground, preventing forced displacement and finding sustainable solutions for directly affected populations.

Switzerland aims to protect refugees and give them the chance of a brighter future

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

Switzerland is taking part in the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September. Eduard Gnesa, Special Ambassador for International Cooperation on Migration Issues, talks about the challenges facing the international community as a result of the refugee situation. 

Switzerland assists thousands on the move

07.12.2015 — Article DEZA

When Hungary closed its border with Croatia on 17 October, hundreds of thousands of migrants moved further west and redirected their route through the West Balkans. As Slovenia, a country of a mere two million people, had to bear the brunt of this new development, it turned to Switzerland for help. Since mid-November a team of five experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit has supported the Slovenian authorities as well as NGOs to tackle this giant task.

"We are no longer alone"

24.11.2015 — Article DEZA

Thousands of refugees have been travelling to and transiting through Slovenia every day since September 2015. Since the beginning of November the country’s civil protection authorities have been benefiting from Swiss Humanitarian Aid’s experience in setting up suitably equipped refugee camps. For Stanislav Lotric, Switzerland’s support is important – also as a symbol of solidarity.

A member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit wins an award

03.11.2014 — Article DEZA

Johanna Estermann, a member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit since 2010, has won this year’s Swiss Humanitarian Award, which is given each year to a deserving student by the Geneva Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action (CERAH).

Swiss people mobilised to help South Sudan's displaced populations

18.06.2014 — Article DEZA

Andrea Cippa, Barbara Egger Maldonado, Arnold Egli and Dominique Reinecke each worked for the UNHCR or the World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan and Ethiopia for several months. What they have in common is that they are all members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) and they have all worked to improve the lives of displaced persons and refugees in the region. Having returned from their missions, they explain the significance of their respective commitments.

«We do whatever is possible»

16.05.2014 — Article DEZA

An engineer by profession, Henri Stalder has been a member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) since 2002. He has taken part in SHA missions in several countries in this capacity. Since January 2014 has Henri Stalder been made available to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Syria where he runs the shelter sector. This sector provides emergency accommodation to displaced persons and reconstructs damaged buildings. Henri Stalder embodies the various types of support Switzerland provides to the victims of the conflict. Interview performed in May 2014.