Photo: UN Photo / JC McIlwaine
Security Council Meeting Room at
UN Headquarters in New York
has a triple role in this respect. First, it is on the ground implementing its own projects through the Swiss Humanitarian
Aid Unit, with which it has internationally recognised expertise. Second, it supports humanitarian organisations such as
the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and
specialised UN agencies. Third, Switzerland actively promotes
better compliance with and strengthening of international
humanitarian law. As the depositary state for the Geneva
Conventions, Switzerland plays a crucial role.
Migration and displacement: Switzerland works to identify the root causes of migration in regions of origin and helps
reduce irregular migration. Armed conflicts and human rights
violations are causing massive refugee movements across the
world. Because millions of refugees and internally displaced
people sometimes wait decades for a solution in the first
country entered, Switzerland helps these countries develop
integration measures. Refugees and displaced people should
be able to lead an independent life. Where appropriate and
in Switzerland’s interest, the Federal Council aligns Switzerland’s migration policy with that of the EU and its member
states. Switzerland is therefore involved in EU measures,
supports European countries bordering the Mediterranean
and contributes to improving the protection of Schengen
external borders and to preventing irregular migration to
Europe. In order to create prospects for local populations,
Switzerland promotes framework conditions in developing
countries: the rule of law, access to public services such as
education and healthcare, creation of employment opportunities, disaster risk reduction, mitigation of climate change
and adaptation to its effects, and environmental protection.
Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland closely monitors
changes emerging in the European security architecture. The
current security policy challenges lie in the weakening of
existing arms control regimes and simultaneous rearmament,
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Thematic focus areas
in the fight against terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime, and in counter-espionage. Within the OSCE, Switzerland advocates constructive solutions to modernise conventional arms control. Through its participation in the NATO
Partnership for Peace (PfP), Switzerland promotes dialogue
in the Euro-Atlantic area. Switzerland is also strengthening
its cooperation with the EU Common Security and Defence
Policy. Globally, the priorities are minimising the risks of
nuclear weapons, nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation
and upholding the bans on chemical and biological weapons,
as well as universalisation of the ban on anti-personnel
mines and cluster munitions. Technological change means
cyber diplomacy is becoming more important. Switzerland
is helping to minimise the risks associated with new technologies, such as in cyberspace and in relation to autonomous
weapons systems or ballistic guided missiles. To this end, it
also draws on the internationally recognised expertise of the
three Geneva Centres.
Switzerland prevents and combats threats such as illegal
intelligence activities, violent extremism and terrorism.
Counterterrorism efforts must be based on international law,
and developing standards in accordance with the rule of law
is crucial. Switzerland addresses cross-border crime, such
as cybercrime and organised crime, human trafficking and
people smuggling, through international police cooperation.
Cooperation within the scope of the Schengen Association
Agreement is key here.
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