Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA

Peace and human rights

Sudanese women, men and children stand close together on the back of a blue lorry.

Foreign policy 04.06.2025

Sudan: a man-made humanitarian disaster

The world has not faced such a large number of conflicts since the end of the Second World War. One of these has been ongoing in Sudan for over two years, with catastrophic consequences for the civilian population. More than half of the population is now affected by hunger. Millions of people have been displaced. Switzerland is committed, within the framework of its international cooperation, peace promotion and within the UN, to ending the war and mitigating its humanitarian consequences.

Aerial view of the city of Geneva with the Jet d'Eau.

Peace and human rights 30.05.2025

Switzerland's good offices – mediation as a bridge to peace

From quiet rooms in Geneva to talks in faraway conflict zones: how Switzerland acts as an impartial mediator on the world stage and contributes to peace.

A man and a woman are holding brochures.

Peace and human rights 27.03.2025

A new dawn for justice: Zimbabwe bids farewell to the Death Penalty

In December 2024, Zimbabwe took a historic step by abolishing the death penalty, reaffirming its commitment to human rights. This milestone was achieved through years of advocacy, with Switzerland—through its Embassy in Harare—playing a key role in guiding discussions and fostering dialogue.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis sits at the horseshoe-shaped table of the UN Security Council. In front of him is a wooden sign with the inscription "President".

International organizations 14.03.2025

Switzerland’s seat on the UN Security Council

In 2023 and 2024, Switzerland held a seat on the UN Security Council. A two-year term of office marked by geopolitical tensions. In spite of these challenging conditions, Switzerland was able to make an impact and contribute to advancing its foreign policy goals. Scroll the newsticker for background information about Switzerland's Security Council activities and statements.

Photo taken at the Geneva Consultations.

Peace and human rights 14.02.2025

Innovations from International Geneva for UN Peacebuilding

Switzerland is strengthening the link between Geneva and New York in UN peacebuilding through the Geneva Consultations. As a centre for diplomacy and innovation, International Geneva is providing important impetus for the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review, with a focus on sustainable peacebuilding financing and linking human rights to conflict prevention.

Image showing eight athletes on a racetrack, symbolising the world of sport.

FDFA 13.12.2024

National action plan on business and human rights 2024–27

On 13 December 2024, the Federal Council adopted the updated national action plan on business and human rights ('NAP'). Existing measures have been strengthened and updated and 10 new measures added, which are intended to help achieve the objectives of the NAP.

Bird's eye view of the Bürgenstock area high above Lake Lucerne.

FDFA 31.10.2024

News on the Summit on Peace in Ukraine

On 15 and 16 June 2024, Switzerland organised a Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock. The aim of the summit was to develop a common understanding of a possible path to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. All news on the summit can be found here in the ticker.

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