In an international context where multiple crises have increased humanitarian needs, humanitarian organisations face growing challenges in terms of access, security and funding. Alongside this, they are having to deal with an unstable geopolitical situation that also affects International Geneva.
Key partners for Switzerland's humanitarian objectives
In response to emergencies in food insecurity and malnutrition, the Federal Council is reaffirming its support for the WFP with CHF 73.4 million in funding for 2025 and 2026. The WFP, the world's largest humanitarian organisation fighting hunger, focuses on more than 40 countries and regions that are affected by an emergency situation.
The Federal Council is also renewing its support for the UNHCR, providing a contribution of CHF 64 million for 2025 and 2026 in response to the unprecedented numbers of people who have been forcibly displaced. The UNHCR is responsible for ensuring refugees around the world are protected and for supporting them in the face of increasingly protracted crises.
The ICRC will receive a contribution of CHF 112 million for its operations in 2025 and 2026. This is in addition to the CHF 80 million that Switzerland provides to the ICRC annually to support its headquarters in Geneva. The funding will enable the ICRC to pursue its mandate to protect people in armed conflicts.
The above contributions will come from the commitment appropriation for the financing of international cooperation for 2025–28, which has been approved by Parliament. As the ICRC and UNHCR are among the largest organisations based in Geneva, the Federal Council is thus also sending out a strong signal in support of International Geneva and its central role in Swiss foreign policy.
Strengthening partnerships with local organisations
In addition to its financial contributions, Switzerland is committed to ensuring that these humanitarian organisations strengthen their protection work and partnerships with local organisations, which are often the first to respond and the closest to vulnerable populations. The funding provided enables them to respond rapidly to existing or emerging humanitarian crises. The WFP, UNHCR and ICRC are among the priority partners for the implementation of Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28, which aims to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Address for enquiries:
FDFA Communication +41 58 460 55 55 kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
