Peace and human rights

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.

Since the Taliban's sudden takeover of power in Afghanistan, the living conditions of millions of Afghans, especially women and girls, have worsened. An alarming example is the Taliban's recent decree banning women from attending universities and working for local and international NGOs. The FDFA is deeply concerned about these developments, not least because female NGO workers are often the only ones who are able to gain access to women and their families.

This was Switzerland's maxim as it embarked on a year of exchanges with the 95 states and organisations of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Focal Points Network alongside co-chair South Africa. The network strengthens the role of women in peace processes, and the exchange with its 95 members, including states and organisations, is at the centre of its work. As the year draws to a close, we hear from participants and take a look at some highlights.

The global food crisis is one of the main challenges the world faces today. As is often the case, it is the most vulnerable people who are affected first and suffer disproportionately from its impact. In response, SDC acts in a collaborative and crosscutting manner to mitigate it.

International Human Rights Day has taken place every year on 10 December since its inception in 1950. Because supporting human rights is one of Switzerland's key commitments, it is vital it does so effectively across all fields – including in the world of sports. On the occasion of the controversial 2022 Football World Cup, Switzerland drew attention to the issue of human rights in sport in Doha through an innovative approach that is bearing fruit.

828 million – this is the staggering number of people currently suffering from hunger worldwide. That's 10% of the world's population. Climate change, conflicts, COVID-19, and economic crises: the ongoing global food crisis has multiple causes and triggers, all of which are placing enormous stress on communities. The food crises that result from these triggers can also reduce people's lives to a struggle for survival.