Peace and human rights

As every year, from 22 to 25 May, a week at the UN in New York will be devoted to the protection of civilians. This is also one of Switzerland's thematic priorities for its membership of the UN Security Council. Find out how Switzerland is working in this area at the multilateral level and directly on the ground in conflict areas.

2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. Initiated by the United Nations General Assembly, the day revolves around freedom of expression as the driving force behind all other human rights. If access to information is essential in times of peace, it becomes vital in situations of conflict. Nicolas Bideau, Head of Communication of the FDFA, shares his thoughts on the subject.

Since the Taliban's sudden takeover of power in Afghanistan, the living conditions of millions of Afghans, especially women and girls, have worsened. An alarming example is the Taliban's recent decree banning women from attending universities and working for local and international NGOs. The FDFA is deeply concerned about these developments, not least because female NGO workers are often the only ones who are able to gain access to women and their families.

The presidential and parliamentary elections held on 25 February and 18 March respectively were vitally important for Nigeria's future. But they also came at time when the country's economic and security situation was highly precarious. Prior to the elections, the presidential candidates therefore signed the National Peace Accords, in which they pledged not to use language likely to incite violence, to accept the officially declared election results and not to challenge the results through the courts. The FDFA assisted the parties in drawing up the agreement.

On 4 April 2023, International Mine Awareness Day, the FDFA and the DDPS are jointly launching their new Action Plan for Mine Action, thereby carrying forward Switzerland's long-standing commitment in this area. The action plan focuses not only on implementation of the relevant conventions and support for the clearance of contaminated areas, but also on innovative approaches. In addition, Switzerland will provide targeted support to Ukraine in the coming years.

Dozens of people are killed and injured every day by mines and other explosive ordnance. In recent years, the number of victims has been rising. Switzerland has therefore continued its commitment to mine action around the world, allocating in 2022 a total of CHF 17.5 million to activities in 20 countries in order to promote the protection of civilians and the implementation of relevant agreements.