Humanitarian aid

Following the search for survivors by Swiss Rescue in Turkey, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit of the FDFA has entered a second phase of support. Experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, including doctors and engineers, are now on the spot to continue helping the Turkish and Syrian population. Relief supplies have also been transported to the affected areas.

In 2023 and 2024, Switzerland has a seat on the UN Security Council, where it is contributing its expertise in global peace and security to discussions and debates. In May 2023, Switzerland will hold the council presidency. Scroll the newsticker for background information about Switzerland's Security Council activities and statements.

Mosaic Hospital in the centre of the Turkish city of Antakya was short of staff after the earthquakes in February 2023. Four specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) stepped in and provided counselling for children and parents. Doctor Céline Ritter Schenk was a member of the team.

Two hundred and twenty-two million children and young people around the world are affected by violent conflicts and humanitarian crises. Switzerland is working to protect these children, in the UN Security Council as well as in other bodies and through its international cooperation work. Syrian refugee children in Jordan and Lebanon are just one example of how Switzerland is restoring access to education – a key pillar of sustainable peace and development.

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.