FDFA news

National human rights institution to be established in Switzerland

13.12.2019 — Press release EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council approved the proposal to establish a national human rights institution (NHRI). The Federal Council has thereby strengthened its constitutionally enshrined commitment to human rights. With the model of a public corporation, it takes into account the results of the consultation procedure. The NHRI will be independent, include members from across society and receive an annual financial support from the Confederation.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — Press release EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

Federal Council appoints Patricia Danzi as new SDC director general

13.12.2019 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 13 December 2019, the Federal Council appointed Patricia Danzi as the new director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Ms Danzi (50) will take up her post on 1 May 2020, succeeding Manuel Sager, who will retire in spring 2020. The future SDC director general is currently regional director for Africa at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva.

Humanitarian aid responds to digital and climate challenges – 33rd Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent comes to a close

12.12.2019 — Press release EDA
The 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent ended today in Geneva. The conference adopted six resolutions that will enable the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to improve its actions and adapt them to the needs of vulnerable groups, in a world where the demand for humanitarian aid has never been so high. The topic of digitalisation was on the agenda for discussion, for example in restoring family links broken by crisis situations. The conference was opened by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on Monday 9 December.

Ignazio Cassis plaide pour le renforcement du droit international humanitaire à la 33ème Conférence internationale de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge (fr)

09.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Le conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis a plaidé pour le renforcement du droit international humanitaire à l’occasion de l’ouverture de la 33ème Conférence internationale de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge qui se tient du 9 au 12 décembre à Genève. Dans son discours M. Cassis a souligné l’importance du travail des plus de 17 millions volontaires qui sont et font le mouvement de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant Rouge.

FDFA transports two drinking-water production systems to eastern Ukraine

07.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Swiss Humanitarian Aid has transported two large-scale installations to the Donetsk region to help supply the population in eastern Ukraine with clean drinking water. This is its 11th mission since 2015 in aid of the people living on both sides of the contact line.

Swiss initiative: intentional starvation of civilians in civil wars is now a war crime

06.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Following a Swiss initiative, the International Criminal Court (ICC) will from now on be able to prosecute the intentional starvation of civilians in civil wars as a war crime. The ICC Assembly of States Parties took a unanimous decision to this effect earlier today. It strengthens the protection of victims of war.

Swiss diplomat Heidi Grau named OSCE Special Representative for Ukraine

05.12.2019 — Press release EDA
In a triumph for Swiss diplomacy, the 26th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has opened with the Chairperson-in-Office, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák, appointing Ambassador Heidi Grau as Special Representative for Ukraine. A renowned Swiss expert on Eastern Europe, Ambassador Grau thus assumes a key role in working towards an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis welcomes the news of her appointment and considers this a testament to the reputation Swiss diplomacy enjoys within and beyond the OSCE.

Cooperation with the UN Security Council in the fight against terrorism: Switzerland's pioneering role

05.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Switzerland and the United Nations cooperate closely in the fight against terrorism. On Thursday in New York, Switzerland presented to the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) the latest developments in its anti-terrorism measures following last year's visit by UN experts.

Walter Kälin appointed to UN High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement

04.12.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes UN Secretary-General António Guterres' decision to appoint Swiss law professor Walter Kälin as one of the experts of the UN's newly established High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement, which is tasked with finding solutions to internal displacement and alleviating its impact.

An exhibition to further understanding the importance of humanitarian principles

04.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Humanitarian action is centred on the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Together with the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is hosting an exhibition and forum for debate on humanitarian action and its founding principles. The art installation will run until March 2020 at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva.

Switzerland increases earthquake aid to Albania

03.12.2019 — Press release EDA
With the region repeatedly shaken by aftershocks, the rapid response team sent by Swiss Humanitarian Aid (part of the SDC) to the Tirana/Durres area is pursuing three lines of action: The specialists are assessing the stability of damaged houses, aid deliveries have started, and people in the affected areas are to receive financial support.

Federal Council approves revised foreign policy on health

15.05.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council intends to take action in six key areas of international health policy, including sustainable healthcare, global health governance and protection against global health risks. At its meeting on 15 May, the Federal Council adopted the revised Health Foreign Policy for 2019–2024, which addresses current global challenges and is aligned with the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Swiss representation in Belarus to be upgraded to full embassy

15.05.2019 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 15 May 2019, the Federal Council decided to upgrade the Swiss representation in Minsk to a full embassy. The decision was based on the steadily growing relations between Switzerland and Belarus. The embassy in Minsk is planned to be opened officially this year by the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

Joining forces against natural disasters: international conference on disaster risk reduction opens in Geneva tomorrow

14.05.2019 — Press release EDA
The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) will be opened by SDC Director General Manuel Sager on 15 May. The international conference, which runs until 17 May, will see over 4,000 experts from some 150 countries discuss global policies on natural disaster prevention. The results are expected to guide UN policy in this area.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Slovakia for working visit and Finland for Council of Europe ministers' meeting

14.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Bratislava on 16 May 2019 for bilateral talks with the Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák. He will then attend the Council of Europe ministerial session in Helsinki on 17 May.

Ignazio Cassis marks centenary of International Labour Organization with António Guterres and meets UN executive heads

08.05.2019 — Press release EDA
On 8 May 2019, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Geneva to commemorate with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The creation of the ILO and – in the same year – the League of Nations, marked the beginning of multilateralism in Geneva. The head of the FDFA took the opportunity to meet the 31 heads of the UN specialised agencies, which are holding a meeting from 8 to 10 May 2019 in Geneva.

Escalation of hostilities in north-western Syria – FDFA statement

08.05.2019 — Press release EDA
The FDFA is deeply concerned by the escalation of hostilities in the Syrian province of Idlib and calls on the parties to the conflict to return to the negotiating table. Furthermore, it calls on the states guaranteeing the 'de-escalation zone' and the signatory states of the Sochi Agreement to do everything in their power to comply with international law, especially humanitarian law, and to work towards an end to hostilities.

Meeting in Bern between Ignazio Cassis and Bhutanese foreign minister Tandi Dorji

07.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has met the Bhutanese foreign minister, Tandi Dorji, for official talks in Bern. Switzerland and the Himalayan state can look back on many years of friendly relations, which for a long time were based primarily on development cooperation. The two countries' economic and political relations meanwhile are steadily expanding.

Escalation of violence between the Gaza Strip and Israel – statement by the FDFA

06.05.2019 — Press release EDA
While welcoming the ceasefire reached by the parties, Switzerland expresses its deep concern at the escalating violence between Israel and the Gaza Strip. It condemns in the strongest terms the hundreds of indiscriminate rocket attacks launched on inhabited areas of Israel from the Gaza Strip.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis is received by Pope Francis and will attend the swearing in of the Swiss Guard at the Vatican

04.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was received by Pope Francis in a private audience. He also met other representatives of the Holy See, with which Switzerland has maintained close ties for centuries, and he will attend the swearing-in of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican on Monday.

More effective international cooperation: FDFA and EAER launch public consultation

02.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Swiss development cooperation is to become more focused, making it more effective. This is the proposed strategic approach for Switzerland’s international cooperation, submitted for optional public consultation by the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department for Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) on 2 May 2019.

Ignazio Cassis meets with La Francophonie Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo

30.04.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, received the new Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), Louise Mushikiwabo, in Bern today. During their meeting, which was attended by members of the Swiss delegation to the French-speaking Parliamentary Assembly, they discussed several areas of cooperation between Switzerland and the IOF, in particular the promotion of democracy, dual vocational education and training and multilingualism. During her stay in Switzerland, Ms Mushikiwabo will also meet with Federal Councillor Alain Berset.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis discusses future of Swiss-Brazilian partnership with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ernesto Araújo

26.04.2019 — Press release EDA
On 26 April 2019 Mr Cassis wrapped up his South America trip by meeting the Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo in Brasilia. The talks focused on the 200-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (the first Swiss presence opened in Rio de Janeiro in 1819), and on expanding cooperation in business, science and diplomacy.

Switzerland underscores the importance of the private sector in achieving gender equality

17.03.2016 — Article EDA

Gender equality is one of Switzerland's priority areas in its international cooperation. Switzerland believes the private sector has a key role to play in fostering equality. "Smart economics means empowering women, promoting girls and bringing about gender equality". These were the words of Benno Bättig, Secretary General of the FDFA, in his speech opening a panel discussion with business representatives from all over the world. The event on the role of business in achieving gender equality, which was organised by the UN Global Compact and UN Women as a side event at the 60th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), focused on the multiplier effect of women's economic empowerment for sustainable development.

«Women play a key role in Chad’s economy»

08.03.2016 — Article DEZA

Over half of Chad’s population is female. Women are increasingly participating in local economic activity thanks to measures aimed at improving education and literacy. They play a key role in the SDC’s project on the management of run-off water in Chad’s Sahel region.

Focus on mediation

23.12.2015 — Article EDA

Switzerland is seeking to become more actively involved in mediation. This commitment was reaffirmed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter at the 2015 annual conference of the FDFA's Human Security Division (HSD). In this, Switzerland can build upon its long-standing tradition as a mediator.

FDFA 2016 annual objectives

22.12.2015 — Article EDA

The new annual objectives for the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs were adopted during the winter session of 2015, setting out foreign policy measures to implement the Federal Council’s objectives.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter reappointed

09.12.2015 — Article EDA

The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has been re-elected with the second-highest number of votes since 1962.

Switzerland assists thousands on the move

07.12.2015 — Article DEZA

When Hungary closed its border with Croatia on 17 October, hundreds of thousands of migrants moved further west and redirected their route through the West Balkans. As Slovenia, a country of a mere two million people, had to bear the brunt of this new development, it turned to Switzerland for help. Since mid-November a team of five experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit has supported the Slovenian authorities as well as NGOs to tackle this giant task.

"The Paris agreement aims to reverse the trend in CO2 emissions"

26.11.2015 — Article DEZA

The COP21 climate conference is taking place in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015 and will be attended by a Swiss delegation. Pio Wennubst, Assistant Director General of the SDC, describes Switzerland's contribution to the conference and its activities in the field of climate change, and explains why climate change is a particular challenge for developing countries.

"We are no longer alone"

24.11.2015 — Article DEZA

Thousands of refugees have been travelling to and transiting through Slovenia every day since September 2015. Since the beginning of November the country’s civil protection authorities have been benefiting from Swiss Humanitarian Aid’s experience in setting up suitably equipped refugee camps. For Stanislav Lotric, Switzerland’s support is important – also as a symbol of solidarity.

Disasters: what can be done to protect displaced people?

05.10.2015 — Article EDA

The Nansen Initiative, launched by Switzerland and Norway in 2012, will present its findings on 12-13 October in Geneva. For three years its members collected best practices from states that have faced an influx of people displaced by disasters. Walter Kälin, a professor of public international law at the University of Bern who also serves as Envoy of the Chairmanship of the Nansen Initiative, describes the consultation process and discusses the next steps.  

No women, no peace – 15 years of UN resolution 1325

09.09.2015 — Article DEZA

Adopted 15 years ago, UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security is based on the belief that the participation of women in peace processes is conducive to achieving pragmatic solutions and offers a more sustainable route to peace and individual security. Switzerland was one of the first countries to work towards implementing the resolution and wishes to reaffirm its pioneering role in this regard. An international review conference held in Geneva on 9 September 2015 provided an opportunity to take stock.

World Humanitarian Day comes to Expo Milano 2015

19.08.2015 — Article DEZA

In conflict situations, the food security of victims goes hand in hand with the safety of aid workers. This in a nutshell is the message that Switzerland and the United Nations wanted to get across at the event they co-organised at Expo Milano on Wednesday 19 August 2015. A "humanitarian parade" was the highlight of the day.

Development as seen by young people

05.08.2015 — Article DEZA

International Youth Day has been celebrated globally since 2000. It provides an opportunity to hear what the young men and women who benefit from and partner the SDC have to say. In Lebanon, Central America, Zimbabwe and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, young people are committed to bringing about a better, more equitable and more secure world.