Yemen: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment and appeals to warring parties

23.12.2016 — Media release EDA
In view of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Switzerland is reaffirming its commitment to help the destitute civilian population by making an additional CHF 3 million available to the Yemen Humanitarian Pooled Fund managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) over the next 12 months. The money will be used to fund water, hygiene and nutrition projects.

Switzerland supports the UN resolution on combating impunity in Syria

22.12.2016 — Media release EDA
The UN General Assembly in New York has decided to set up an independent investigative mechanism, designed to lay the basis for future legal proceedings against those responsible for the most serious breaches of international law in Syria. Right from the outset, Switzerland supported the resolution sponsored by Liechtenstein and welcomes this significant step to combat impunity in Syria.

Salary and social conditions for visiting researchers at CERN

21.12.2016 — Media release EDA
At its meeting on 21 December 2016, the Federal Council adopted the report entitled "Salary and social conditions for visiting researchers at CERN" in fulfilment of Postulate Tornare 14.3855 of 25 September 2014.

Switzerland to maintain assistance for Palestinian refugees in 2017-2020 period

21.12.2016 — Media release EDA
The Federal Council decided at its meeting of 21 December 2016 to maintain its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) over the coming four year period. The funding provided by Switzerland is primarily intended to help improve the access of the affected population to education, healthcare and social services. In this way Switzerland helps to improve prospects for the future, to reduce the risk of radicalisation among young Palestinians, and to support greater stability in the region. The funds also provide UNRWA with greater security in its budget planning.

Reducing hunger in the world – Swiss international cooperation supports agricultural research

21.12.2016 — Media release EDA
At its meeting on 21 December 2016, the Federal Council approved the continuation of Switzerland’s financial contribution to the Global Agricultural Research Partnership (CGIAR) for the period 2017 to 2019. The partnership provides targeted and efficient solutions to the challenges of hunger and malnutrition, and, by supporting it, Switzerland is contributing to the fight against hunger, one of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Gotthard tunnel and migration policy dominated media coverage of Switzerland in 2016

20.12.2016 — EDA
The opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which was attended by all the heads of state of Switzerland’s neighbouring countries, drew considerable media attention abroad. International media coverage of Switzerland focused on topics that also attracted attention in other European countries: migration and Islam. Two popular votes also drew international media coverage about Switzerland: The ‘Implementation initiative’ and the ‘unconditional basic income initiative’. In 2016, a year marked by great international upheaval, Switzerland’s economic and political stability were presented in a positive light by the foreign press.

Switzerland ratifies Croatia protocol

16.12.2016 — EDA
Switzerland has ratified the protocol extending the free movement of persons to Croatia. On 17 June this year, the Federal Assembly authorised the Federal Council to ratify Protocol III extending the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) to Croatia, subject to a specific condition. After Parliament passed the act implementing Article 121a of the Federal Constitution, the Federal Council concluded that this condition had been fulfilled. At its meeting on 16 December 2016, it therefore authorised the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), in cooperation with the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), to confirm the ratification of Protocol III to the EU. This also means the precondition has been met for Switzerland to participate fully in the Horizon 2020 research programme.

Switzerland calls for a redoubling of efforts to aid the victims of the humanitarian crisis in Syria

14.12.2016 — EDA
Switzerland has issued another humanitarian appeal to tackle the Syrian crisis. The FDFA calls on all parties to the Syrian conflict to fulfil their obligations with respect to human rights and international humanitarian law and to protect the civilian population caught up in the fighting. Immediate and unhampered access for humanitarian relief to the civilian population in all besieged and difficult-to-access areas is also imperative. The situation in Aleppo is catastrophic and particularly worrying in light of allegations of extrajudicial executions and forced disappearances.

Switzerland's new consuls general

13.12.2016 — EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs announces the following appointments:

Official visit to Bern and Neuchâtel by the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs

12.12.2016 — Media release EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter had a meeting in Neuchâtel with Chinese Foreign Minister WANG Yi as part of the latter's official visit to Switzerland. The two men discussed bilateral relations and various current international issues. China's leading diplomat also paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, in Bern.

The Directorate of International Law briefs the public on the blocking and restitution of stolen assets

12.12.2016 — EDA
On 12 December 2016, the Directorate of International Law held its annual one-day event for the public at the Bern Rathaus. This year’s topic was the “Restitution of stolen assets”, and the discussion addressed both the process for recovering illicitly acquired assets and Swiss and international experience in this area. The guest speakers included political and legal experts, development professionals and representatives of the banking sector and civil society. They provided attendees with a step-by-step review of the process, from blocking assets to their restitution.

Video on Switzerland's human rights strategy

09.12.2016 — Artículo EDA

A short film on the FDFA Human Rights Strategy 2016–19 is now available, providing a 10-minute long overview of Switzerland's efforts to promote respect for human rights.

Yemen: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment and appeals to warring parties

23.12.2016 — Media release EDA
In view of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Switzerland is reaffirming its commitment to help the destitute civilian population by making an additional CHF 3 million available to the Yemen Humanitarian Pooled Fund managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) over the next 12 months. The money will be used to fund water, hygiene and nutrition projects.

Switzerland supports the UN resolution on combating impunity in Syria

22.12.2016 — Media release EDA
The UN General Assembly in New York has decided to set up an independent investigative mechanism, designed to lay the basis for future legal proceedings against those responsible for the most serious breaches of international law in Syria. Right from the outset, Switzerland supported the resolution sponsored by Liechtenstein and welcomes this significant step to combat impunity in Syria.

Salary and social conditions for visiting researchers at CERN

21.12.2016 — Media release EDA
At its meeting on 21 December 2016, the Federal Council adopted the report entitled "Salary and social conditions for visiting researchers at CERN" in fulfilment of Postulate Tornare 14.3855 of 25 September 2014.

Switzerland to maintain assistance for Palestinian refugees in 2017-2020 period

21.12.2016 — Media release EDA
The Federal Council decided at its meeting of 21 December 2016 to maintain its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) over the coming four year period. The funding provided by Switzerland is primarily intended to help improve the access of the affected population to education, healthcare and social services. In this way Switzerland helps to improve prospects for the future, to reduce the risk of radicalisation among young Palestinians, and to support greater stability in the region. The funds also provide UNRWA with greater security in its budget planning.

Reducing hunger in the world – Swiss international cooperation supports agricultural research

21.12.2016 — Media release EDA
At its meeting on 21 December 2016, the Federal Council approved the continuation of Switzerland’s financial contribution to the Global Agricultural Research Partnership (CGIAR) for the period 2017 to 2019. The partnership provides targeted and efficient solutions to the challenges of hunger and malnutrition, and, by supporting it, Switzerland is contributing to the fight against hunger, one of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Official visit to Bern and Neuchâtel by the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs

12.12.2016 — Media release EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter had a meeting in Neuchâtel with Chinese Foreign Minister WANG Yi as part of the latter's official visit to Switzerland. The two men discussed bilateral relations and various current international issues. China's leading diplomat also paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, in Bern.

National report and action plan on business and human rights

09.12.2016 — Media release EDA
On 9 December 2016 the Federal Council adopted a report outlining a national action plan for the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Switzerland is one of the first countries to adopt such a strategy in order to promote coherence between business activities and human rights.

The Federal Council extends the freezing of assets of several individuals from Tunisia, Egypt and Ukraine

09.12.2016 — Media release EDA
At its session on 9 December 2016 the Federal Council decided to extend by one year the freezing of all the assets in Switzerland of ousted presidents Ben Ali (Tunisia), Mubarak (Egypt) and Yanukovych (Ukraine) as well as of politically exposed members of their entourages and other persons closely associated with them. The aim of this decision is to give more time for the criminal investigations under way and to support judicial cooperation with the countries concerned. It also takes into account the political changes taking place in these countries.

Security, trust building and arms control: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter attends OSCE Ministerial Council in Hamburg

06.12.2016 — Media release EDA
This year’s Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will focus on finding solutions to current conflicts in the OSCE area, Europe’s worsening security situation and the issue of arms control. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will argue that greater dialogue on key issues concerning European security is the only way to meet today’s challenges.

Switzerland puts strengthening women's rights on UN Security Council agenda

05.12.2016 — Media release EDA
At a meeting in New York today, the UN Security Council will discuss how cooperation between the Geneva-based Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the UN Security Council in New York can be improved in the area of women, peace and security. The initiative for this discussion came from Switzerland, which has made strengthening women's rights a priority and is also committed to forging closer cooperation between the international institutions based in Geneva and those in New York.

Further progress achieved on subject of commodities

02.12.2016 — Media release EDA
On 2 December the Federal Council approved the third status report on the implementation of the recommendations made in the background report on commodities. The status report provides an overview of the state of implementation for each of the seventeen recommendations. It shows that further important progress has been made to further strengthen the conditions for the commodities sector and reduce risks.

Federal Council in favour of lifting the ban on dual nationality for Swiss diplomats

02.12.2016 — Media release EDA
At its meeting on 2 December 2016, the Federal Council approved the lifting of the ban on dual nationality for Swiss diplomats. This change to current practice will require an amendment of Article 24 para 2 of the Federal Personnel Ordinance. The lifting of the ban will take effect on 1 January 2017.

The Gotthard tunnel and migration policy dominated media coverage of Switzerland in 2016

20.12.2016 — EDA
The opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which was attended by all the heads of state of Switzerland’s neighbouring countries, drew considerable media attention abroad. International media coverage of Switzerland focused on topics that also attracted attention in other European countries: migration and Islam. Two popular votes also drew international media coverage about Switzerland: The ‘Implementation initiative’ and the ‘unconditional basic income initiative’. In 2016, a year marked by great international upheaval, Switzerland’s economic and political stability were presented in a positive light by the foreign press.

Switzerland ratifies Croatia protocol

16.12.2016 — EDA
Switzerland has ratified the protocol extending the free movement of persons to Croatia. On 17 June this year, the Federal Assembly authorised the Federal Council to ratify Protocol III extending the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) to Croatia, subject to a specific condition. After Parliament passed the act implementing Article 121a of the Federal Constitution, the Federal Council concluded that this condition had been fulfilled. At its meeting on 16 December 2016, it therefore authorised the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), in cooperation with the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), to confirm the ratification of Protocol III to the EU. This also means the precondition has been met for Switzerland to participate fully in the Horizon 2020 research programme.

Switzerland calls for a redoubling of efforts to aid the victims of the humanitarian crisis in Syria

14.12.2016 — EDA
Switzerland has issued another humanitarian appeal to tackle the Syrian crisis. The FDFA calls on all parties to the Syrian conflict to fulfil their obligations with respect to human rights and international humanitarian law and to protect the civilian population caught up in the fighting. Immediate and unhampered access for humanitarian relief to the civilian population in all besieged and difficult-to-access areas is also imperative. The situation in Aleppo is catastrophic and particularly worrying in light of allegations of extrajudicial executions and forced disappearances.

Switzerland's new consuls general

13.12.2016 — EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs announces the following appointments:

The Directorate of International Law briefs the public on the blocking and restitution of stolen assets

12.12.2016 — EDA
On 12 December 2016, the Directorate of International Law held its annual one-day event for the public at the Bern Rathaus. This year’s topic was the “Restitution of stolen assets”, and the discussion addressed both the process for recovering illicitly acquired assets and Swiss and international experience in this area. The guest speakers included political and legal experts, development professionals and representatives of the banking sector and civil society. They provided attendees with a step-by-step review of the process, from blocking assets to their restitution.

Video on Switzerland's human rights strategy

09.12.2016 — Artículo EDA

A short film on the FDFA Human Rights Strategy 2016–19 is now available, providing a 10-minute long overview of Switzerland's efforts to promote respect for human rights.

Election of International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission members

09.12.2016 — EDA
Switzerland chaired the 6th diplomatic meeting of states accepting the competence of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC) yesterday. As the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, it had invited the 76 states in question to Bern. The 68 states attended elected the institution’s 15 members for a five-year term, including one from Switzerland, Ms Laurence Boillat, currently a prosecutor in the canton of Vaud.

OSCE Ministerial Council: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter underlines the importance of arms control for boosting confidence and security

08.12.2016 — EDA
At the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Hamburg, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter stressed that the revival of conventional arms control in Europe is pivotal to improving security for everyone. As a bridge-builder, Switzerland intends to play an active role in shaping a dialogue to this end.

„Responding to European uncertainties with a strong OSCE for dialogue and common action“

08.12.2016 — EDA
Hamburg, 08.12.2016: Address by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter at the OSCE Ministerial Council – Check against delivery

„More security for all: relaunching conventional arms control in Europe“

08.12.2016 — EDA
Hamburg, 08.12.2016: Address by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter on the occasion of the special meeting on the Relevance of Arms Control for today’s European Security at the OSCE Ministerial Council – Check against delivery

Signing of the agreement between Switzerland, France and CERN on mutual support of their emergency services

08.12.2016 — EDA
On 8 December 2016 Ambassador Roberto Balzaretti, head of the Directorate of International Law of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), signed a trilateral agreement with France and CERN on behalf of the Federal Council. The agreement enables emergency services to respond more quickly and efficiently to emergencies on the CERN site.

Appointments, retirements and conferring

02.12.2016 — EDA
A number of personnel changes will be made in 2017 in the Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The changes will take place as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council. The appointment of heads of mission abroad becomes effective following approval by the respective host state. The Federal Council thanks those ambassadors entering retirement for their services.