2026 Additional Allocation to UNHCR Operations in Lebanon and Syria
01.01.2026
- 31.12.2026
To contribute to the emergency response to the consequences of the escalation of violence in Lebanon since late February 2026 and its consequences in Syria, Switzerland provides an additional CHF 1’500’000 to its existing contribution to UNHCR to provide immediate protection and relief assistance to vulnerable groups affected by the conflict, in particular displaced populations.
Project completed
UNRWA Contribution 2025
01.01.2025
- 31.12.2025
UNRWA contributes to stability in the Middle East. It provides access to basic services (health, education), relief and social protection, as well as humanitarian assistance for 5.9 million Palestine refugees in the region. Switzerland’s contribution for 2025 is earmarked for the organisation’s programmes in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It also supports UNRWA’s ongoing implementation of the recommendations of the Colonna report. The contribution is based on the Federal Council’s decision of 21 May 2025.
2025 Additional Allocation to UNHCR Operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan
01.01.2025
- 31.12.2025
SDC funding to UNHCR operations allows the UN Refugee Agency to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance to refugees and internally displaced people in life-threatening situations and underfunded emergencies. Switzerland provides an additional contribution of CHF 5’000’000 in 2025 to support UNHCR operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Project completed
Extraordinary Additional Allocation of SDC Funding (Europe-Middle East Division) in 2025 to ICRC Operations in Syria, Yemen
01.01.2025
- 31.12.2025
SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding to respond to changing needs in humanitarian crises.
Contributions to WFP protracted crises Country Strategic Plans in 2024
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2024
The World Food Programme (WFP) is one of Switzerland’s key multilateral partners due to its unique double mandate of "saving lives" and "changing lives" around food security. The WFP Strategic Plan 2022-2025 lays out the overall objectives in order to eradicate hunger. Contributing to WFP programmes in selected countries with protracted humanitarian needs allows Switzerland to achieve the humanitarian and development goals defined in its Strategy on International Cooperation for 2021-2024.
Project completed
Additional Allocation of SDC Funding (Europe – Middle East Division) in 2024 to ICRC Operations in Lebanon
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2024
SDC allocates additional funding to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to address urgent needs arising from the humanitarian impact of escalating violence in Lebanon. This support, drawn from SDC's emergency reserve funds, enables the ICRC to provide immediate protection and life-saving assistance to those affected by the crisis.
Contributions 2024 to ICRC Country Programs in protracted crises
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2024
The ICRC is the most important partner of SDC in the humanitarian field. About one third of the SDC Humanitarian Aid budget is allocated to the ICRC. The contribution of CHF 56 million to ICRC country programs reflects Switzerland’s interest to have a strong ICRC throughout the world and to contribute to alleviate the suffering of people affected by conflicts.
Project completed
Response to Earthquake M7.8 February 6th 2023 in Turkey and Syria
06.02.2023
- 30.04.2023
Following a severe Earthquake in the region of Gaziantep of a magnitude of 7.8 which caused tremendous destruction, humanitarian assistance will be provided under the form 1) of the deployment of the Rescue Chain; 2) the sending of a SET; 3) in-kind donations and 4) financial contributions for multilateral organisations or NGOs (in a separate credit proposal). Decisions on optimum use of funds will be taken by the Crisis Cell led by the HA delegate in close coordination with desk and CH representations in the region.
Project completed
Contribution to UNRWA's Programme Budget 2023-2024
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2024
UNRWA is one of Switzerland’s key multilateral partners in the Middle East, due to its important contributions towards stability and peace in the region and its role in providing services and humanitarian assistance to people in need. Under its Programme Budget, UNRWA ensures universal access to quality primary health care and to basic education to 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees. It also provides targeted relief and social services to vulnerable refugees.
Project completed
Contribution to UNHCR Programme Budget 2023-2024 (earmarked)
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2024
UNHCR is one of Switzerland’s key multilateral partners due to its unique mandate by the General Assembly of United Nations to provide protection and assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, refugee returnees, and stateless persons. The strategic direction 2022-26 concretise the overall mandate of UNHCR for the upcoming years. Contributing to these directions allows Switzerland to achieve in particular the human development goal defined in the Dispatch to Parliament on International Cooperation for 2021-24.
Project completed
Contributions to OCHA Field Operations in 2023
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2023
The goal of OCHA is to save lives and protect people in humanitarian crises. It contributes to principled and effective humanitarian response in sudden-onset disasters and protracted crises through its five core functions: Coordination, Advocacy and communication, Humanitarian financing, Policy and Information management. In its central coordinating role OCHA works in partner-ship with local, national and international actors.
Project completed
Allocation of SDC Funding (MENA Europe Division) in 2023 to ICRC Operations in oPt, Syria
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2023
SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding to respond to changing needs in humanitarian crises.
