The Federal Council agreed at its meeting of 7 June 2019 to make a CHF 125 million contribution to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the 2019–22 period.
The large number of crises around the world in 2018 meant that more than 21 million people received assistance and protection from UNHCR programmes, which are primarily implemented in neighbouring regions. Switzerland’s partnership with the UNHCR is key to implementing its strategy linking international cooperation and national migration interests. In addition, Switzerland promotes its priorities within the Executive Committee of the UNHCR, the UN’s largest organisation headquartered in Geneva.
There are currently 68.5 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including 25.4 million refugees. 85% of these refugees live in developing countries neighbouring their countries of origin. In spite of the often major efforts undertaken by these host countries, refugees usually face limited means to ensure livelihood and a lack of access to basic services. Only 61% of refugee children worldwide can attend primary school, for example, compared to 92% of other children.
The support Switzerland provides the UNHCR is in line with the priorities of Swiss Humanitarian Aid. The organisation is its third most important partner. In 2018, Switzerland provided the UNHCR with CHF 43 million. In addition, 31 members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit were seconded to the UNHCR for missions concerning civilian protection and water. Switzerland is a member of the UNHCR’s Executive Committee, where it has been promoting its interests – good governance of the organisation and the efficient allocation of resources to improve refugee protection – since 1958.
Original source: SDC
Published on 07 June 2019
