10.10.2019

Every year, 2.5 million people die of AIDS, malaria or tuberculosis, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. At a pledging conference hosted in Lyon on Thursday in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis announced a CHF 7 million increase in Switzerland's contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Geneva-based Global Fund is a priority multilateral partner for Switzerland's international cooperation.

Lyon – Pledging conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria – Ignazio Cassis announces an increase in the Swiss contribution
Lyon – Pledging conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria – Ignazio Cassis announces an increase in the Swiss contribution © FDFA

Switzerland is greatly concerned about military operations in north-eastern Syria. A further escalation in that part of the country would have grave consequences for the already suffering civilian population and could further destabilise the situation in Syria and the surrounding region. Switzerland calls on all parties to comply with international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and human rights. The FDFA has communicated this position to the parties involved.

Protection of the civilian population and civilian infrastructure and immediate, unhindered, long-term access to humanitarian aid for those in need must be guaranteed at all times.

Switzerland appeals to the parties involved to negotiate an immediate de-escalation and work towards finding a political solution to the conflict. A sustainable resolution of the causes of conflict in Syria is only ever likely to be found through a UN-sponsored peace process. The UN Secretary-General's announcement regarding the convening of a Syrian constitutional committee in Geneva would be a first step towards such a political solution. Switzerland actively supports this process.

Last update 19.07.2023

  • FDFA Communication answers media queries Mondays to Fridays during office hours and operates a weekend emergency on-call service.

Contact

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West
3003 Bern

Phone (for journalists only):
+41 58 460 55 55

Phone (for all other requests):
+41 58 462 31 53

Start of page