Federal Council to provide loan for renovation of ICRC HQ building in Geneva

Bern, 20.04.2016 - On 20 April 2016 the Federal Council adopted a dispatch concerning the issuing of a loan to the Foundation for buildings for international organisations (FIPOI) of CHF 9.9 million for the renovation of the ICRC's headquarters building in Geneva. It will be reimbursed over 30 years at a preferential interest rate. This decision has been taken as part of Switzerland's host state policy to enhance the country's attractiveness as a leading centre of global governance, in particular Geneva's position as the world humanitarian capital.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an iconic organisation of Switzerland and its presence in Geneva helps promote the city as the world humanitarian capital. Created in 1863, the ICRC is a key actor in the humanitarian field. It is at the origin of the four Geneva Conventions, which are fundamental treaties in the field of international humanitarian law. The ICRC and Switzerland, the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, have always cultivated close ties. Switzerland actively supports the efforts of the ICRC in response to humanitarian challenges and promotes respect for and the strengthening of international humanitarian law.

As host state, Switzerland is committed to the proper maintenance of the buildings of International Geneva in order to ensure that international organisations can operate in optimum working conditions. The ICRC's headquarters building no longer meets the required safety and energy standards, making it difficult for it to pursue its multilateral activities effectively. This renovation project is thus indispensable for the ICRC to have a fully functional headquarters building.

Switzerland's support for the renovation project through the loan granted by the Confederation, subject to approval by Parliament, will allow the ICRC to renovate the exterior of the building. Work will begin in 2017 and is expected to take two years to complete. The ICRC will pay for the internal renovation of the building. This renovation will help to anchor the ICRC in Geneva and thus strengthen the humanitarian ‘pillar’ of International Geneva and Geneva's role as a leading global governance centre.

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