The FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) is responsible for the promotion of peace and human rights as set out in the Federal Council’s foreign policy strategy. It focuses on the security of the individual and protecting people against violence, war and acts of arbitrary treatment. The PHRD is part of the State Secretariat.
In order to carry out its tasks, the division is allocated a framework credit which has to be re-authorised by Parliament every four years.
The division has eight sections:
The PHRD’s four geographical sections focus on the prevention and resolution of violent conflict and efforts to ensure lasting peace. Their core competences include the provision of good offices, in particular mediation and facilitation, support for electoral and democratic processes, dealing with the past, and the prevention of atrocities and violent extremism. Each section implements the corresponding strategies and helps draw up international guidelines and standards. Together with partner organisations, they offer training courses, support local initiatives and provide political, technical and financial support. The frist three sections are each responsible for a geographical focus region; the fourth section has a thematic remit.
The Human Rights Diplomacy Section works to ensure worldwide respect for human rights. It implements the FDFA's human rights strategy, engages in human rights dialogue with specific states and promotes the mutual secondment of experts. It works closely with civil society organisations on the ground in order to achieve real improvements in human rights. It also implements the action plan for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty.
The Humanitarian Diplomacy Section focuses on the protection of the civilian population in armed conflicts and displaced persons. It helps to draw up and further develop international standards. It implements strategies to combat the illicit trade in small arms and anti-personnel mines and for the disarmament and demobilisation of former soldiers – especially child soldiers – and their reintegration into society.
The Democracy Section is dedicated to strengthening and protecting democratic processes and institutions worldwide. Through diplomatic initiatives, targeted projects, and bilateral and multilateral dialogues, it promotes democratic resilience and develops a shared understanding of democracy together with partner countries.
The SEP provides experts for bilateral and multilateral projects, international peace missions and election observation missions. Switzerland's participation in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine is a case in point.
Swiss Expert Pool for Civilian Peacebuilding
Last update 19.05.2025
Peace and Human Rights Division
Bundesgasse 32
3003 Bern
Phone
+41 58 462 30 50
FDFA State Secretariat
Federal Palace West
CH-3003 Bern
Phone
+41 (0)58 462 53 13
