Democracies are the backbone of stable, just and peaceful societies. In order to safeguard democratic norms and principles in the long term, Switzerland promotes political participation, the principles of the rule of law, and the protection of democratic institutions worldwide. To this end, the Democracy Section within the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) focuses strategically on diplomatic initiatives and project-based approaches.
Democracy means, among other things, transparent, credible and free elections, freedom of opinion, protection of minorities, an independent judiciary and the separation of powers. It is the basis for stable, just and peaceful societies. However, it is under pressure worldwide: authoritarian governments are extending their influence and undermining democratic principles by spreading targeted disinformation, creating economic dependency and persecuting dissidents. At the same time, there is growing scepticism in many societies as to whether democracies are capable of effectively tackling the major challenges of our time, such as climate change, migration and social inequality.
“For all its challenges, democracy remains the most reliable framework for freedom and social cohesion. It demands that we stand up for it.”
Ignazio Cassis, Head of the FDFA
Switzerland sees its democratic tradition as both a responsibility and an opportunity. As a neutral and experienced player, it works internationally to strengthen democratic structures through dialogue, partnerships and targeted technical support. This commitment is enshrined in the Federal Constitution and is a priority of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 and the Guidelines on Democracy 2025–28.
The Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) focuses in particular on enhancing the resilience of democracies using the instruments of diplomacy for democracy. This involves bilateral and multilateral dialogues and dialogue platforms, networks and political communication, agile support for positive democratic developments and the provision of infrastructure for relevant events, platforms and dialogues ('good offices').
The PHRD is active in multilateral forums and strengthens the global narrative presenting democracy as a functioning and forward-looking model with tangible and measurable benefits. It also supports projects to boost democratic resilience, particularly in connection with elections and parliaments, participation and deliberation, and the rule of law.
Given its focus on strengthening democratic resilience, the PHRD concentrates primarily on countries that already have some democratic structures and are either affected by democratic backsliding or are seeing new democratic openings emerge. This means that it tends to operate in different contexts and with different thematic priorities than the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), which focuses on governance issues. Where thematic or geographical synergies exist, the two work closely together.
The Guidelines on Democracy 2025–28 are based on two pillars: 1) diplomacy for democracy and 2) institutional and social frameworks. Diplomacy for democracy sees Switzerland participate in international forums, networks, and dialogue processes to promote democratic values, while the institutional and social frameworks pillar aims to provide practical support for democratic structures and opportunities for participation in the countries concerned.
Switzerland supports the development of democratic structures with targeted projects in the following areas:
Last update 08.05.2025
Abteilung Frieden und Menschenrechte
Bundesgasse 32
3003 Bern
Phone
+41 58 462 30 50
