All news (3520)
New technologies helping to search for missing persons in Serbia and Kosovo
25.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
A group of experts from the School of Criminal Sciences at the University of Lausanne has travelled to Serbia and Kosovo under a mandate conferred by the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division. It will assess the possible deployment of laser and radar technology to search for missing persons. The mission is taking place between 14 and 25 October.
Middle East and Ukraine are focus of Ignazio Cassis' trip to North America
25.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will spend two days in the United States and Canada on 29 and 30 October 2024. As part of Switzerland's October presidency of the UN Security Council, he will chair a high-level debate on the Middle East in New York on 29 October. From there, he will travel on to Montreal, where a follow-up conference to the June 2024 Summit for Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort will be held on 30 October. In Montreal, the focus will be on humanitarian aspects in connection with the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict. Mr. Cassis will hold bilateral talks in Montreal, including with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Election of Barbara Bernath to Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture
24.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The FDFA welcomes the election of Barbara Bernath on Thursday 24 October 2024 to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT). The SPT monitors the conditions of detention and the treatment of detained persons in states that are party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
Federal Council adopts second voluntary report on international humanitarian law implementation by Switzerland
23.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 23 October 2024, the Federal Council adopted Switzerland's second voluntary report on its implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL), against a very different global backdrop from when the first report was published. The implementation of IHL is essential in order to preserve a minimum of humanity in armed conflicts. Switzerland's commitment to IHL remains steadfast despite today's changing world.
New Swiss ambassadors
23.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
A number of staff changes and conferments of ambassadorial titles have been announced for several Swiss representations abroad in 2024/2025, at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.
Presentation of credentials
22.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials
UN Security Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis chairs meeting on the opportunities and risks that new technologies pose for peace
18.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 21 October 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will chair a UN Security Council meeting on the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. Rapid advances in new technologies bring great opportunities, but also risks, which need to be identified early to facilitate appropriate responses. 'Building sustainable peace' is one of Switzerland's priorities for its two-year Security Council membership (2023–24).
Humanitarian mine clearance: Confederation establishes comprehensive partnership with Ukraine’s civil protection service and Swiss mine clearance company
17.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
In order to reduce the danger posed by mines and other explosive ordnance in Ukraine, the Swiss government is supporting Ukraine’s civil protection service through a partnership with the Swiss company Global Clearance Solutions (GCS). The partnership involves supplying three mine clearance systems to Ukraine alongside a comprehensive training, mentoring and logistics package. The package, which amounts to CHF 4.6 million, is being funded by the federal government and underlines the importance of humanitarian mine clearance for the country’s recovery.
International appeal for humanitarian demining in Ukraine adopted in Lausanne
17.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The first day of the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2024 ended today with the presentation of the Lausanne Call for Action, which reaffirms the support of the majority of the countries present for humanitarian demining in Ukraine and around the world. The appeal calls for the needs of victims and disabled people to be addressed and promoting partnership and innovation to increase effectiveness in mine action. The conference, held in Lausanne at the EHL Hospitality Business School, brings together representatives of states, international organisations and partners in humanitarian demining.
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with Brazil
15.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, met with the deputy foreign minister of Brazil, Maria Laura da Rocha, in Brasilia. The political consultations centred on bilateral relations, issues relating to economic and security policy, respect for human rights and cooperation to protect the environment.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends annual foreign ministers' meeting of German-speaking countries in Luxembourg
14.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The foreign ministers of the five German-speaking countries met today in Luxembourg to discuss cross-border and multilateral cooperation. They also discussed the role of the United Nations Security Council, which Switzerland is chairing for the second time this October, in the current geopolitical context.
Seagoing vessels flying the Swiss flag: Federal Council relaxes regulations
09.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The hurdles for registering a ship under the Swiss flag are high. To enable more ships to sail under the Swiss flag, the Federal Council relaxed the registration requirements at its meeting on 27 September 2024. The corresponding ordinances have been amended, as part of the planned revision of maritime shipping legislation.