Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
All media releases can be found on the News Service of the Federal Administration.
18.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
Diaspora communities can play a crucial role in the advancement of developing countries. Thanks to the expertise they acquire abroad, their experience and their remittances, people living abroad can make a significant contribution to improving the situation in their home countries. At a two-day conference of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), delegations from some 60 countries are discussing diaspora communities' potential as part of development policy. This is the first event to serve as an international platform for diaspora ministries and representatives.
17.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland makes a positive assessment of the 23rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, which closes today. During this session nearly 30 resolutions have been dealt with, and the situation in Syria was again on the agenda. Today, the Council has passed a resolution on the situation in Syria with a large majority. The resolution supports the political process, condemns all use of force, demands accountability for violations of international law, asks all States to increase humanitarian aid and demands that Syria cooperate with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria.
17.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
States are meeting for the second time on 17 and 18 June 2103 in Geneva at the initiative of Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to find concrete means to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and ICRC President Peter Maurer opened the meeting. In his speech, Mr Burkhalter underscored the urgent need to strengthen compliance with existing rules and called for the establishment of a meeting of States that would facilitate regular and systematic dialogue on international humanitarian law.
13.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
At the UN Counter-Terrorism Coordinators Conference in Geneva, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter reaffirmed the importance of worldwide cooperation to combat terrorism. The conference provides a platform to discuss solutions to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.
12.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
Two decisions were adopted at the 4th meeting of the Switzerland/European Union Statistical Committee (Joint Committee) which took place in Geneva. One replaces Annex A of the bilateral agreement in the field of statistics with the European Union (EU) whereas the second approves the specific Switzerland/EU annual statistical programme for 2013. These decisions were approved by the Federal Council and enter into force immediately.
12.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will highlight Switzerland’s commitment to the abolition of the death penalty this evening at today’s opening of the 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty which is taking place in Madrid until Saturday. Capital punishment is incompatible with the values Switzerland represents and impacts on its other obligations such as the prohibition of discrimination. Switzerland aims to ensure that States which have not as yet abolished the death penalty place a moratorium on its use.
07.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
The 2016 Olympic games are to be held in Brazil, the first time in a South American country. Because Brazil is in various respects an interesting country for Switzerland – from trade relations to tourism as well as research and innovation – the Federal Council has decided that Switzerland shall be officially represented at the 2016 Olympic games. A framework programme showcasing Switzerland’s unique strengths will also run from 2014 to 2016.
07.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
There is no end in sight to the violence in Syria and the humanitarian situation is unlikely to improve in the near future. On 7 June 2013, the UN in Geneva published its assistance plans for Syria and neighbouring countries for the second half of 2013. The UN and its partners have requested USD 4.4 billion to alleviate suffering. Switzerland intends to add CHF 20 million to the CHF 30 million already provided for the victims since the beginning of the conflict in Syria.
07.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
103 middle-school classes from all over Switzerland took part in a creative competition delving into the theme of democracy. The four winning classes were honoured today at an event in the Swiss National Museum in Zürich. The project entitled “A Piece for Democracy” unfolded under the patronage of Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter.
06.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
Parliament has transmitted the motion “Maintaining the Swiss Embassy in Guatemala” to the Federal Council, instructing it not to close the Embassy in Guatemala. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will therefore submit a request to the Federal Council to implement this decision. The FDFA had decided to close the representation as a follow up to Parliament’s calls to reduce spending. The Embassy in Guatemala will be maintained by making efforts to utilize potential synergies to the maximum possible degree. The savings that had been planned by the pure and simple closing of this Swiss representation will nevertheless not be able to be realized as planned.
06.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
This year’s meeting of the Joint Committee between Switzerland and the EU in the areas of research and Euratom that took place in Brussels today provided an opportunity for mutual exchange on the implementation of existing agreements and for informal exchanges with regard to “Horizon 2020”, the new EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and to Euratom’s next programme. These two programmes are scheduled to begin on 1 January 2014. The issue of Swiss participation is currently being discussed in the Federal Assembly.
05.06.2013
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Press releases
EDA
Research and technological, social and political innovation play an important part in Switzerland's international cooperation to reduce poverty and global risks. At a joint event organised by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (CRPDC) of the The Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences researchers presented innovative products that they have developed together with research partners from Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Last update 23.04.2025
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