Direct help for people in need: the Federal Council supports the humanitarian commitment of the International Committee of the Red Cross
Bern, 11.03.2016 - The Federal Council pledged today a headquarters contribution of CHF 80 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the current year. This sum is intended to support the work of what is often the only organisation to have direct access to people in need during crises and conflicts. The ICRC is the most important partner of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in the humanitarian field.
The growing number of complex, chronic and transregional conflicts creates enormous humanitarian needs because of their duration, intensity and scale. The number of refugees and displaced persons has not been as high since the Second World War. Shocking violations of international humanitarian law are taking place in many conflicts and crises, such as in Syria. Humanitarian access to war victims is often denied or prevented. The ICRC, which plays a central and unique role in these situations, is therefore facing one of the biggest challenges of its history. Its work in war and crisis zones is at the same time more important than ever. Thanks to its neutral and confidential operating practices, the ICRC is in many contexts one of the few – if not the only – humanitarian organisations that is respected by the parties in any given conflict and whose assistance can therefore reach the large number of people in need.
The ICRC is the SDC's most important partner in the humanitarian field. In 2015, Switzerland was the third largest contributor to the ICRC's overall budget and is also making the largest headquarters contribution. As depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland has a long history of close relations with the ICRC. The headquarters contribution enables the ICRC to perform its difficult work in the service of those affected by crises and armed conflict. From its headquarters in Geneva, the ICRC coordinates 80 and more delegations worldwide.
In addition to this headquarters contribution, the SDC has earmarked CHF 55.3 million to finance specific ICRC humanitarian operations in 2016, as well as the cost for 150 new ICRC delegates to mark the organisation's 150th anniversary, in 2013 (CHF 18.2 million over a period of four years).
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FDFA Information
Tel. +41 58 462 31 53
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The Federal Council
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Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
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