All news (848)
The Directorate of International Law briefs the public on the blocking and restitution of stolen assets
12.12.2016
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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.
Defienden los derechos humanos en sus países
09.12.2016
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Artículo
DEZA
El respeto de los derechos humanos figura entre las prioridades máximas de la COSUDE. De ello depende el desarrollo de los más desfavorecidos. La COSUDE contribuye en media docena de países a reforzar las instituciones nacionales creadas para proteger a los ciudadanos contra la violación de sus derechos fundamentales. Tres defensores de los derechos humanos dan su testimonio.
National report and action plan on business and human rights
09.12.2016
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Press 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
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Press 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.
Switzerland puts strengthening women's rights on UN Security Council agenda
05.12.2016
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Press 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
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Press 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.
“Un seul monde” – Dosier sobre el Cuerno de África
30.11.2016
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Artículo
DEZA
Suiza trabaja por abordar las causas de la huida
29.11.2016
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Artículo
DEZA
Didier Burkhalter habla en la mesa redonda "Huida y expulsión: ¿El desafío global del siglo XXI?", que se celebra en la Universidad de Zürich con motivo de la exposición "HUIDA" exhibida en el Museo Nacional de Zürich. En una entrevista, explica la política exterior de Suiza en materia de migración.
¿Qué modelos de eficacia para alcanzar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible?
29.11.2016
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Artículo
DEZA
Del 30 de noviembre al 2 de diciembre de 2016, más de 150 países donantes y beneficiarios de la ayuda al desarrollo se reúnen en Nairobi, Kenia, para determinar la mejor manera de lograr los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de la Agenda 2030. Los principios de una cooperación para el desarrollo “eficaz” y sostenible serán objeto de debate.
Federal councillor Didier Burkhalter speaks with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein about the challenges of protecting human rights
29.11.2016
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Press release
EDA
Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, made an official working visit to Bern on 29 November 2016. He met with Didier Burkhalter, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), State Secretary Yves Rossier and members of the Foreign Affairs Offices and Committees of the National Council and Council of States. In-depth discussions about international human rights issues, including the situation in Syria, Yemen and Burundi, gave Switzerland the opportunity to reiterate its support for strengthening the Office of the High Commissioner, a crucial advocate for human rights around the world. The current low level of funding allocated to the Office of the High Commissioner, which accounts for 3,5% of the UN’s regular budget, limits its strategic impact in spearheading the UN’s human rights activities.
International Conference for Tunisia – Switzerland represented by Samuel Schmid
28.11.2016
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EDA
Switzerland is to take part in the international conference on economic support and investment promotion in Tunisia on 29 and 30 November 2016. It will be represented by former Federal Councillor Samuel Schmid.
Francophonie Summit: a Swiss stand dedicated to water, peace and security
25.11.2016
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Artículo
DEZA
The 16th Francophonie Summit is taking place in Madagascar on 26 and 27 November. To mark the occasion a Francophonie Village has been set up, where Switzerland is representing itself with a stand dedicated to water, peace and security. Visitors can discover what Switzerland is doing to promote water as an instrument of cooperation and peace in this interactive arena.