All news (849)
Switzerland increases its humanitarian presence in Syria
21.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has opened a humanitarian office in Damascus to improve access to those in need, and to monitor and coordinate projects more closely. Up to now, Switzerland mainly provided humanitarian aid to people in need through one of its representations in neighbouring countries. The humanitarian effort in connection with the Syria crisis is currently Switzerland's biggest humanitarian operation.
Switzerland and Bolivia seek closer cooperation on Bioceánico project
14.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
On Thursday, 14 December, President Doris Leuthard received Bolivian President Evo Morales Ayma, who was paying a working visit to Bern. Discussions focused in particular on infrastructure, economic and trade relations, the rule of law and the SDC’s country programme on Bolivia. The two presidents were present at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties on cooperation on the Corredor Tren bioceánico project.
The SDC's support for the right to education
12.12.2017
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Article
DEZA
Some 264 million children and young people worldwide have no access to education. UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report 2017/18 examines what various stakeholders must do to help tackle this problem. In this interview, education expert Sabina Handschin explains what the report means for the SDC.
Hindu Kush Himalayas: joining forces to combat the impact of climate change
11.12.2017
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Article
DEZA
The Hindu Kush Himalayan region has been hit hard by the impact of climate change. To help the local people successfully adapt to this new reality, the SDC is supporting the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The organisation provides eight countries in the region with a platform for creating and adopting new approaches to sustainable mountain development.
Human rights at the centre of the fight against poverty and humanitarian aid
10.12.2017
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Article
DEZA
On the occasion of Human Rights Day on 10 December 2017, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) takes stock of its efforts to promote human rights. The SDC aims to promote these rights in all its activities by adopting a people-centred approach while enhancing compliance with human rights obligations by duty bearers and strengthening people's ability to exercise their rights.
Swiss initiative to promote human rights compliance at mega sporting events
30.11.2017
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Press release
EDA
As host to some of the most important international sports federations, Switzerland has launched a landmark initiative on mega sporting events and human rights: at the opening of the two-day 2017 Sporting Chance Forum in Geneva on 30 November, Switzerland laid the foundations for new international standards in this area together with sports associations, athletes, states, sponsors, NGOs and international organisations.
Tunisian delegation in Switzerland for bilateral and interdisciplinary exchange on preventing violent extremism and combating terrorism
20.11.2017
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Press release
EDA
A delegation comprising eight representatives from the Tunisian national counter-terrorism commission and other ministries is currently in Switzerland for a bilateral exchange on preventing violent extremism (PVE) and combating terrorism. The visit, initiated and organised by the FDFA, is one of the concrete results to have emerged from the declaration of intent signed by the Swiss and Tunisian governments on cooperation in PVE and reflects the will of both countries to take action.
Fine della COP23: un segnale chiaro per il clima da parte della comunità internazionale
18.11.2017
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Press release
EDA
Si è conclusa a Bonn il 18 novembre 2017 la 23a Conferenza delle Nazioni Unite sul clima (COP23). Nell'ambito della Conferenza presieduta dalle Isole Figi, gli Stati hanno espresso il loro impegno a favore del clima e dell'Accordo di Parigi. Inoltre hanno trovato un accordo sui documenti di base che riassumono le diverse posizioni su tutti i punti da negoziare per elaborare le regole di attuazione dell'accordo. Dette regole dovrebbero essere adottate nel 2018 nel corso della prossima Conferenza per il clima.
“Switzerland is one of the most progressive countries”
16.11.2017
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Article
DEZA
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by the international community in 2015 and has been in effect since 2016. What progress has been made so far? What are the next steps? Interview with Ambassador Michael Gerber, Special Envoy for Sustainable Global Development.
Central Mediterranean Region: Better Protection of Refugees and Migrants and the Fight against Smugglers
13.11.2017
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Press release
EDA
There is a need for stronger protection of refugees’ and migrants’ basic rights. This is a central theme of the declaration adopted in Bern on 13 November 2017 by the representatives of thirteen European and African countries situated on both sides of the Central Mediterranean Sea. The representatives met for the third meeting of the Central Mediterranean Contact Group, which was also attended by representatives of the EU, the UNHCR, the IOM and the ICRC. The participants intend to address the challenges posed by the alarming situation along the migration route to North Africa by strengthening the prevention of migrant smuggling, combating human trafficking and supporting the voluntary return of migrants to their countries of origin.
Markus Seiler new head of the FDFA’s General Secretariat
08.11.2017
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Press release
EDA
On 8 November 2017, Markus René Seiler was appointed as the next general secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on the recommendation of the head of the department, Ignazio Cassis. Mr Seiler, who is currently the head of the Federal Intelligence Service, will take up his new position on 1 December.
International meeting in Bern to ensure better protection for migrants on the Central Mediterranean migration route
03.11.2017
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland will host the third meeting of the Central Mediterranean Contact Group on 13 November 2017 in Bern. Set up at the initiative of Italy, the Contact Group allows European and African countries affected by migration along the Central Mediterranean migration route to exchange information and coordinate their action. Switzerland is hosting this meeting to find better ways to protect migrants. The goal is to improve migrants' living conditions and ensure better protection for them along the migration route. Many migrants fall victim to extortion, threats, ill-treatment, violence and smuggling of migrants. The meeting will take place at ministerial level and is expected to lead to the adoption of a joint declaration.