Humanitarian aid

Targeted attacks on energy infrastructure and basic supply systems have aggravated the situation for civilians in Ukraine. Since September, the SDC has prepared an action plan to help the population to cope this winter. This plan, in the amount of CHF 100 million, includes the reprogramming of SDC-supported activities, the delivery of winter equipment and the rehabilitation of housing and energy infrastructure.

One of the biggest humanitarian crises in the world is taking place in and around Syria. Switzerland's international cooperation has been active on the ground since the outbreak of the conflict in 2011 to alleviate suffering and save lives. In this interview, Caroline Tissot, the SDC's regional head of international cooperation for the Middle East, explains how Switzerland is working to protect the Syrian civilian population and their livelihoods, and to provide education.

Every day, a great number of Swiss women and men work on the SDC's development cooperation and humanitarian aid projects. In the SDC podcast, they tell us about their projects and provide insight into the lives of local people. The sixteenth episode of the SDC podcast 'A Plus for Humanity' takes a look at Burkina Faso and highlights the importance of education for people living in a country suffering from years of war.

One year after the Taliban's abrupt return to power, living conditions for many people – particularly women and girls – have deteriorated under the new regime. Although the Swiss cooperation office in Kabul was forced to close its doors due to security reasons, the SDC is still active in Afghanistan and can rely on its existing networks there, says Walburga Roos.

When civilians cannot access clean drinking water because of armed conflict, they face death, disease or forced displacement at every turn. During conflicts, international humanitarian law (IHL) protects objects that are vital to the survival of the civilian population, such as water infrastructure. Switzerland's foreign policy advocates compliance with IHL, which it also works to strengthen in the multilateral framework. One such example is an event organised by Switzerland during a UN Security Council open debate on protecting civilians in armed conflicts.

Capital of multilateralism and health and a centre of innovation: Geneva has many roles. The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of Geneva, not least as the capital of humanitarian aid. Anne de Riedmatten, head of the Swiss mission's Humanitarian Affairs Section, talks about this unique ecosystem.