Press releases

Switzerland to participate in the advance team of the UN mission to Syria

18.04.2012 — Press releases EDA
On Wednesday, the Federal Council decided to send up to six members of the Swiss Armed Forces to take part in the advance team of the UN mission to report on a cessation of violence in Syria. They will be deployed as unarmed military observers. This decision was taken following a request from the UN.

Sharing responsibility: Humanitarian Aid annual conference in Basel

23.03.2012 — Press releases EDA
With the motto "Sharing responsibility" and in the presence of Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Humanitarian Aid and the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit have held their annual conference in Basel. Manuel Bessler, the Federal Council's new Delegate for Humanitarian Aid, chaired the conference for the first time. He and Federal Councillor Burkhalter explained plans to further develop Switzerland's humanitarian aid work. Other speakers included the UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres and Guy Morin, President of the Executive Council of Basel-Stadt.

Humanitarian Briefing on the Situation in Syria organized by Switzerland

23.02.2012 — Press releases EDA
Position

The Horn of Africa: The delegate for Humanitarian Aid on a fact-finding mission about the current crisis

24.01.2012 — Article DEZA

Thousands of people are still living in appalling conditions in the Horn of Africa – in squalid accommodation, without clean drinking water and without access to schooling. Manuel Bessler, the delegate of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, visited Somalia and Kenya in January 2012 to see the situation for himself. What he saw there confirmed him in his conviction that the Horn of Africa must remain a focus of Switzerland’s humanitarian aid.

Geneva Initiative 2.0

17.11.2011 — Press releases EDA
President of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Micheline Calmy-Rey will launch the Geneva Initiative 2.0 with a keynote speech at the University of Geneva on 22 November 2011. The conference, which is organised by the FDFA, will review the achievements of the Geneva Initiative launched in 2003 and will analyse its potential in the light of current developments in the Near and Middle East. Numerous representatives of civil society in Israel and Palestine will be taking part in the conference, where the speakers include French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy and Hossam Zaki, an adviser to the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Switzerland welcomes the release of political prisoners in Myanmar

13.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland welcomes the release of a large number of political prisoners in Myanmar. At the same time it calls on the Government of Myanmar to release all political prisoners quickly and unconditionally, to take further measures to build a democratic state in which the rule of law is respected, and to strengthen human rights.

Federal President Calmy-Rey at EU-Tunisia Task Force meeting in Tunis

27.09.2011 — Press releases EDA
To reinforce and better coordinate international support for the political and economic transformation of Tunisia following the fall of the Ben Ali regime, an EU-Tunisia Task Force was set up. On Wednesday, 28 September 2011, Federal President Micheline Calmy-Rey will represent Switzerland at the first meeting of this Task Force. At this meeting, she will underscore Switzerland's willingness to ensure that frozen illicit funds of persons associated with the Ben Ali-Regime are swiftly returned to the Tunisian people.

Switzerland approves additional aid for hunger victims in the Horn of Africa

17.08.2011 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is increasing its humanitarian aid for those affected by the current hunger crisis afflicting the Horn of Africa. The Federal Council today approved additional aid of CHF 20 million. This will be used above all for the benefit of the population in southern Somalia, malnourished children in the Dadaab refugee camp, and the host communities in northern Kenya.

Switzerland increases its aid to the Horn of Africa

18.07.2011 — Press releases EDA
The Humanitarian Aid of the Confederation unlocks an additional credit of CHF 4.5 million to support the populations affected by the food crisis in the Horn of Africa. This amount will be used to help refugees in Ethiopia and Kenya and to assist the most vulnerable populations in Somalia.

Working meeting between President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle

19.05.2011 — Press releases EDA
On Thursday, 19 May, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, received German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle for a working meeting in Bern. Both sides praised the intensive relations between Switzerland and Germany.

Switzerland to support the transition process in North Africa through cooperation in specific fields

03.05.2011 — Press releases EDA
At the Regional Ambassadors’ Conference in Tunis, the heads of the Swiss missions and cooperation offices in North Africa and the Middle East discussed concrete forms of cooperation to support the current process of transition in this region. Speaking at the conference in her capacity as head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the President of the Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey declared: “It is in Switzerland’s interests to work together with these countries in order to ensure the political and economic stability of this region.”

New Executive Director for Switzerland at the World Bank Group (last modification, the 03.03.2011)

03.03.2011 — Press releases EDA
On 16 February 2011, the Federal Council appointed Jörg Frieden, President Micheline Calmy-Rey’s Advisor in the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, to be the new executive director for Switzerland at the World Bank Group in Washington. At the same time, the Federal Council conferred the title of ambassador on Mr. Frieden.

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.

Ukraine digitalising public services with Swiss support

15.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 15 September 2023, the Federal Council approved additional support for digitalisation in Ukraine. This will enable citizens, refugees and businesses to access public services and have a political say despite the ongoing war. The 'E-governance for Accountability and Participation' (EGAP) project will receive a contribution of CHF 15 million this year.

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.