Contribution to Humanitarian Fund oPt 2024 - 2026 (OCHA)
01.11.2024
- 31.12.2026
Switzerland, in line with its commitments to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian aid, will contribute to the Humanitarian Fund (HF) as a flexible, needs-based and principled mechanism driven by the Humanitarian Response Plan. It is a pooled mechanism that receives regular support from various donors and is led by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator. It allows fast and coordinated humanitarian response in multiple sectors, based on identified needs and priorities by the cluster system, with focus on lifesaving and emergency activities.
Talent Acceleration Program to Scale (TAP-2-Scale)
15.03.2024
- 31.08.2026
With this single-phase intervention, Switzerland aims to foster economic perspectives for Palestinian youth. The intervention will focus on creating long-term job placements of Palestinian graduates in international IT companies (including Switzerland), and it shall be achieved through upskilling programs tailored to private sector needs. The intervention is implemented in partnership with the Palestinian-Dutch start-up company TAP under the modality of payment for results.
Contribution to the humanitarian Access Support Unit (ASU) in the occupied Palestinian territory
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2025
Coordinated access is key for the humanitarian response to the Gaza strip and the West Bank. Switzerland supports the work of the Access Support Unit (ASU) – the UN body that facilities humanitarian access for people and goods in dialogue with relevant authorities in a critical moment. The Swiss contribution is part of the international burden sharing. It supports the timely and safe delivery of humanitarian and development assistance and is to direct benefit of Switzerland’s activities in the oPt.
Additional contribution to WFP emergency appeal “State of Palestine emergency”
01.11.2023
- 31.12.2023
A sharp escalation of the Gaza crisis has left the entire population in desperate and catastrophic conditions. Hundreds of thousands of people are crammed into overcrowded shelters and hospitals, with food and water running out. The World Food Programme (WFP) has provided emergency food and cash assistance to over 630,000 people across Gaza and the West Bank and continues providing such assistance in the framework of the renewed crisis. SDC contributes to WFP’s efforts in emergency response and life-saving assistance.
Contribution to IFRC’s Emergency Appeal Middle East Crisis, PRCS’s Emergency Appeal for the oPt and to MDA’s response in Israel
01.11.2023
- 31.12.2024
A renewed spike of violence and escalation of hostilities are currently affecting Israel and oPt during Q4 of 2023, with possible further regional implications yet to be determined. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. Together with Red Cross and Red Crescent member National Societies, it plays a major role in responding to humanitarian needs, including in the Near and Middle East. Switzerland intends to contribute to the IFRC’s Middle East Crisis Emergency Appeal for a regional humanitarian response, as well as to PRCS’s oPt emergency appeal and to MDA’s response in Israel.
Contribution to UNICEF Emergency Response Plan in the occupied Palestinian territory (Humanitarian Action for Children - HAC November 2023)
01.11.2023
- 31.12.2024
Switzerland mitigates the humanitarian needs in the oPt with a contribution to the UNICEF Emergency Humanitarian Action for Children in the oPt. Main focus of the intervention is the delivering of gender-responsive lifesaving interventions for water, sanitation and hygiene WASH. Further needs are addressed in the field of child protection; multipurpose cash assistance and education services. UNICEF leads the WASH and education humanitarian clusters and will ensure coordination with all involved humanitarian actors.
Contribution to WHO Emergency Health Response for the oPt and the region
01.11.2023
- 31.12.2024
In line with its humanitarian tradition, Switzerland contributes to mitigate the humanitarian impact of the unfolding crisis in the Near East, based on the decision of the Federal Council of November 1, 2023. In the critical health sector, the main share is allocated to the World Health Organization. WHO will provide essential health services and medical supplies while ensuring coordination among humanitarian health actors. The intervention has a focus on Gaza and the West Bank, but covers also for health-related activities in the region.
Support to Municipal Development Programme (MDP4)
01.07.2023
- 30.06.2027
Through its contribution to the Municipal Development Programme (MDP), Switzerland aims to improve the quality and accessibility of local services and infrastructure provided by Palestinian municipalities to their citizens in the oPt. The programme builds the capacities for stable, transparent and accountable local institutions in the West Bank and Gaza. Supported by key donors of the sector, the programme promotes and supports reforms and provides a prominent platform for sector policy dialogue with the Palestinian Ministry of Local Governance.
Gaza Economic Resilience Program
01.04.2023
- 31.12.2026
Switzerland contributes to foster the resilience of the private sector in the Gaza Strip. This UNDP implemented multi-donor intervention aims to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors with potential to substitute low quality imports (food, garment, plastic, furniture) through investment support, upskilling of labor, and improved cooperation between business associations and local authorities. A more resilient private sector will generate jobs for youth and reduce the aid dependency in the Gaza Strip.
Exiting partnership with PNGO: Strengthening Advocacy, Policy and Communications Capacity on nexus
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2024
Switzerland aims to exit its partnership with the network of Palestinian NGOs (PNGO) while ensuring consolidation of PNGO’s leading role in service delivery applying nexus approach to strength coherence between humanitarian, development efforts while preserving the viability of the 2-states solution, to effectively reduce people’s needs, risks and vulnerabilities while supporting prevention efforts. The contribution continues to enhance the prospects for Palestinians to live in dignity, prosperity and peace. This support is in line with the Swiss Cooperation Programme Near East 2021 - 2024 by promoting protection of the Palestinian population by all duty-bearers.
Program Contribution for Fondation Terre des hommes 2023-2024
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2024
The program of the Terre des hommes Foundation (TdhF) aims to sustainably reduce child mortality and morbidity and to secure access to health, sanitation and clean water for mothers and children (0-18 years) in severe poverty. Children in contexts of migration, conflict and disasters, and child victims of violence are better protected. International standards in child-friendly justice are promoted. Humanitarian interventions in fragile contexts, combined with poverty reduction and sustainable development are promoted through innovative work with children and youths.
Contribution to UNRWA's Programme Budget 2023-2024
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2024
UNRWA is one of Switzerland’s key multilateral partners in the Middle East, due to its important contributions towards stability and peace in the region and its role in providing services and humanitarian assistance to people in need. Under its Programme Budget, UNRWA ensures universal access to quality primary health care and to basic education to 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees. It also provides targeted relief and social services to vulnerable refugees.
