Press releases, 14.12.2021

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis today opened the High-Level Officials Meeting on the Global Compact on Refugees. Speaking remotely, he emphasised the initiatives implemented by Switzerland to follow up on commitments made at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum. The meeting was co-organised by Switzerland and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and aims to review actions undertaken to bolster support for displaced persons and their host countries. The vast majority of the world's 26 million refugees live in countries bordering crisis areas.

At no point since the Second World War have so many people been forced to live far from their homes due to violence, persecution, or extreme climatic conditions. In his speech, the head of the FDFA called on the international community to organise concerted support for refugees and provide assistance to their host countries. "Let us use our collective knowledge to help humanity live in peace and security," Mr Cassis said. The majority of host countries are frequently faced with highly challenging situations, made even more complex by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Promises kept
Today's meeting aims to review the progress made as part of the Global Compact on Refugees, which was approved in 2018. Switzerland has honoured its commitments by implementing a series of concrete measures. It has sought to make it easier for refugees to access high-quality education, for example by launching the Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies (EiE). This initiative aims to encourage greater commitment and funding for the education of young displaced persons. Switzerland has also expanded its commitment to education abroad, notably by supporting a school that welcomes Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Climate and innovation
Climate change is worsening the displacement of people in need of resources such as arable land or drinking water. As a country at the forefront of innovation, Switzerland has well-founded expertise in developing technological responses to challenges in numerous fields, including sustainable water management, sanitation and energy. "In order to share its expertise," Mr Cassis announced, "Switzerland has partnered with the UNHCR to launch the Geneva Technical Hub, a pioneering initiative on climate and innovation."

Supporting host countries
Some 86% of displaced persons find a safe haven in developing countries. Switzerland is supporting relocation work by the UNHCR, in particular by providing experts, and is assisting interested states through the implementation of a national relocation programme.

During the day's meeting, Mr Cassis announced that the 2022–23 relocation programme approved by the Federal Council in May provides for the admission of 1,600 refugees.


Further information:

UNHCR – Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies
Greening the blue in humanitarian aid


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Twitter: @SwissMFA


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Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Last update 19.07.2023

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