All news (2729)
10 years of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers
03.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (the "Code of Conduct") was launched 10 years ago. It obliges private security service providers to respect human rights and international humanitarian law and to prevent their violation. Switzerland was influential in creating the code of conduct and is head of its supervisory board.
Security in Europe, security for Switzerland – Federal Councillor Cassis attends OSCE Ministerial Council meeting
03.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
On 3 December 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the virtual Ministerial Council meeting of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). He called for a stronger organisation and appealed to the participating states to find a consensus solution to fill the OSCE's top positions.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Abu Dhabi: Switzerland works for peace and security in Middle East
01.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
As part of an official visit, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The talks focused on Switzerland's priorities for its new strategy for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2021–24 and the normalisation of relations between Israel and the UAE. Mr Cassis' visit to Abu Dhabi marked the end of a four-day trip to the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula.
Official visit to the Middle East: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for the resumption of dialogue
29.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
During his official visit to the Middle East, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) met with his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts Gabi Ashkenazi and Riyad al-Maliki. Discussions centred on the latest regional developments and Switzerland's peace policy, as well as the strengthening of cooperation in the area of innovation and the creation of jobs for young Palestinians. These subjects are among Switzerland's priorities in the region following the adoption of the first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Strategy 2021–2024.
Switzerland and ICRC sign protocol amending headquarters agreement
27.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and ICRC President Peter Maurer have signed a protocol amending the agreement which has governed the ICRC's status in Switzerland since 1993. The ICRC is the federal government's main partner in the field of humanitarian aid and plays a key role in the protection of victims of armed conflict and implementation of the Geneva Conventions. The new provisions are designed to increase the ICRC's independence and capacity for action.
Violence in Ethiopia: The FDFA allocates CHF 2 million for humanitarian aid and calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law
27.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
Since early November, clashes in the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia have forced thousands of people to flee their homes. The need for humanitarian aid has increased, which has spread to neighbouring countries, particularly Sudan. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has decided to support humanitarian operations in the region with CHF 2 million. It calls for strict compliance with international humanitarian law, rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, a desescalation of violence and a return to dialogue.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Middle East and United Arab Emirates
26.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 28 November to 1 December 2020. His official talks with government representatives will focus on the priorities of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Strategy 2021–24, in particular facilitating dialogue in the region and cooperation on innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.
Federal Council adopts anti-corruption strategy
25.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 25 November 2020, the Federal Council approved its first anti-corruption strategy for the 2021–2024 period. Although the strategy is mainly directed at the Federal Administration, it is also intended to have a wider reach.
Parliament Building to be lit orange as protest against violence against women
24.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
On 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Parliament Building will be lit up in orange, the colour chosen to symbolise the day. Combating violence against women is a priority for Switzerland, both at national and international level. A further aim of this initiative is to highlight the authorities’ practice of zero tolerance towards violence against women, particularly during the pandemic.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opens Afghanistan Conference in Geneva
24.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis welcomed the international community to the Afghanistan Conference in Geneva on 24 November. Most of the major donor countries took part virtually in the pledging conference, which sets the development priorities and financial support for Afghanistan every four years. Switzerland has pledged CHF 104 million for the upcoming period. The donors' conference comes at a critical juncture with the Afghan government and Taliban having started peace talks in September. In his capacity as head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Mr Cassis also held bilateral talks with his Afghan and Finnish counterparts on the margins of the conference.
Hurricane Iota in Central America: another demonstration of solidarity by Switzerland
23.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
Central America, already ravaged by Hurricane Eta, has again been hit by an extreme weather event. The latest, Hurricane Iota, has already wreaked havoc in several countries across the region. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is responding to the emergency by sending specialists and released CHF 2 million to help the survivors.
Switzerland funds reconstruction of houses in Albania: Federal Councillor Cassis gets an update on the status of the projects
23.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
During his official visit to Tirana on 23 November 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj and President Ilir Meta. The talks focused on Switzerland's commitment in Albania, Albania's chairmanship of the OSCE and the candidacy of both countries for the UN Security Council. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) also visited an SDC project to restore destroyed houses.
