All news (2659)
Private security services provided abroad: almost 500 declarations in 2019
12.08.2020
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Press release
EDA
In 2019, the Federal Administration received 478 declarations from companies wishing to provide, from Switzerland, private security services abroad, according to the annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad. The competent authority initiated a review procedure in 26 cases. The Federal Council took note of the report at its meeting on 12 August 2020.
Federal Council adopts report on Switzerland's implementation of international humanitarian law
12.08.2020
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Press release
EDA
Bern, 12.08.2020 – On 12 August 2020, the Federal Council adopted a voluntary report on the implementation of international humanitarian law by Switzerland. Seventy-one years after the adoption on 12 August 1949 of the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland is one of the first states to do so. Respecting, strengthening and promoting international humanitarian law are written into Switzerland's DNA. Switzerland intends to set an example and encourage other states to take similar initiatives. This would foster dialogue among states in order to improve the protection of victims of conflicts worldwide.
Coronavirus: Large-scale events to be permitted from October under strict conditions and with a permit
12.08.2020
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 12 August, the Federal Council took the decision to re-allow events for more than 1000 people from 1 October. Strict protective measures will apply and the events will have to be authorised by the cantons, taking into account the local epidemiological situation and their contact tracing capacity. The Federal Council thereby intends to ensure that the epidemiological situation in Switzerland does not deteriorate. At the same time, this careful reopening step takes into account the needs of society and the economic interests of sports clubs and cultural venues.
Unrest in Belarus after the presidential elections: Switzerland calls for respect for human rights
11.08.2020
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Press release
EDA
After the presidential elections, the authorities in Belarus have responded to popular protests with force. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is deeply concerned about the tense situation and calls on the Belarusian authorities to exercise restraint and allow peaceful demonstrations.
Beirut explosion: Switzerland dispatches a team of specialists
06.08.2020
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Press release
EDA
A team of Swiss specialists including civil engineers and logistics experts travelled to Beirut on 6 August 2020 in response to an international appeal for help from the Lebanese authorities following the devastating explosion.
Ignazio Cassis: "Switzerland is on the move, because we are on the move"
31.07.2020
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EDA
To mark Swiss National Day on 1 August, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, paid a surprise visit to the more than 400 young people at a summer camp at the National Youth Sports Centre in Tenero, Ticino. Mr Cassis expressed his pride and confidence in the young people from all of Switzerland's language regions. Their joy of playing and their urge to be active are a symbol of the joie de vivre of a country that is looking ahead after a long period of lockdown.
Mission August 1st!
29.07.2020
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EDA
In this exceptional year, the FDFA is organising 'Mission August 1st' as an online celebration of Swiss National Day for Swiss people living abroad.
SDC Director General Patricia Danzi takes stock after 100 days: “A big job with big responsibilities”
27.07.2020
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Press release
EDA
On Monday 27 July 2020, recently named SDC Director General Patricia Danzi took stock of her work at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). At a media event held at the Swiss Humanitarian Aid warehouse in Wabern, she reflected on her first few months at the helm of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and explained the agency's upcoming priorities.
President Sommaruga visits Eastern Ukraine with President Zelenskyy
23.07.2020
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Press release
EDA
On Thursday, 23 July, President Simonetta Sommaruga travelled with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Eastern Ukraine. Finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in this region is one of Switzerland’s peace policy priorities. Switzerland is Ukraine’s fifth most important donor nation, providing development cooperation and humanitarian aid, and is also involved in the peace process, primarily through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
President Sommaruga received on state visit to Ukraine
21.07.2020
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Press release
EDA
On Tuesday, 21 July, during her visit to Ukraine, President Simonetta Sommaruga, held official talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the first bilateral presidential visit by Switzerland to Ukraine. Both sides commended the excellent existing cooperation and stressed that there was great potential for even closer ties, especially economic, between the two countries. Talks focused on the situation in Ukraine, particularly in the east of the country, and global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
UN Human Rights Council: Human rights must also be respected during protests
17.07.2020
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Press release
EDA
At Switzerland's initiative, the Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests. In addition, Switzerland has submitted a resolution with partner states on the 15th anniversary of the Responsibility to Protect.
President Sommaruga to travel to Ukraine next week
13.07.2020
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Press release
EDA
President Simonetta Sommaruga will pay a visit to Ukraine next week. Ukraine is important in terms of Switzerland’s security and peace policy, and also has considerable economic potential. Ms Sommaruga will be received by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv for a state visit on Tuesday, 21 July. The two presidents will discuss bilateral cooperation and the international situation.
