Swiss-based world cycling body helps evacuate refugees from Afghanistan
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has assisted in the evacuation of 165 refugees from Afghanistan, including female cyclists. Some 38 are being resettled in Switzerland.
This content was published on
3 minutes
Reuters/UCI/swissinfo.ch/sb
العربية
ar
منظمة عالمية لركوب الدراجات تُساعد في إجلاء لاجئين من أفغانستان
In addition to cyclists, artists, journalists, a judge and human rights campaigners were among those “under threat” who have been evacuated from Afghan soil, the UCI said in a press releaseExternal link on Monday.
Thirty-eight of the evacuees, who have arrived in Europe via Albania, are being resettled in Switzerland, with the others going to Canada, France, Israel and the United States.
The UCI, which is based in Aigle in western Switzerland, said it had partnered with Sylvan Adams, owner of the UCI WorldTeam Israel Start-Up Nation, the NGO IsraAID, various governments, the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) and the world football governing body FIFA to help the people leave Afghan soil.
“It is very important for the UCI to make a commitment to the members of the cycling family who are suffering due to the current situation in Afghanistan,” said UCI President David Lappartient.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the governments of Switzerland, France, Canada, Albania, the United Arab Emirates and Israel, and other countries which have worked on this project.”
The 38 people who have arrived in Switzerland – 24 women, 14 men – have been welcomed by Swiss government officials and have been directed to the relevant bodies to settle their legal status, UCI said.
“Switzerland had already agreed on this evacuation under humanitarian visas in the second half of August, as these were particularly vulnerable people who appeared to be at considerable risk,” it added.
UCI added that those in Switzerland would be allowed to use their training facilities at the World Cycling Centre located in Aigle.
Pressure to accept more
After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Switzerland has been under pressure to accept more refugees fleeing the country.
“We have to be realistic,” Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said. “Providing help on the ground and ensuring the evacuation of Swiss nationals and local employees of the Swiss development agency take priority for the government.”
The 230 Afghan refugees – local employees of the Swiss development agency and their families – are part of a total annual contingent of 800 vulnerable people from conflicts around the world to be granted asylum in Switzerland this year.
More
More
UNHCR asks Switzerland to take in more Afghan refugees
This content was published on
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) wants Switzerland to accept more people fleeing Afghanistan.
Swiss justice minister hopes EU reform will reduce irregular migration
This content was published on
The European Union’s (EU) New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to curb irregular migration within Schengen, Justice Minister Beat Jans said on Tuesday.
Swiss electricity supply outlook positive despite uncertainties
This content was published on
Thanks to well-filled gas stores in Europe and increased availability of French nuclear power, the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission is optimistic.
Finance minister wants Swiss banks to hold more equity
This content was published on
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has repeated calls for banks and their holdings in subsidiaries abroad to hold more equity.
Telecoms sector kept Swiss competitions regulator busy in 2023
This content was published on
Last year, the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) conducted 27 investigations and initiated 17 preliminary investigations.
This content was published on
Although Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) achieved higher revenue at the start of the year, it suffered a dip in profits.
40,000 signatures against animal testing in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland should do away with “restrictive” animal testing and should become a model for innovative, effective, and pain-free scientific research.
More than 45,000 signatures in favour of federal funding for UNRWA
This content was published on
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (FAC) is expected to decide on the funding of the UNRWA at the beginning of the week.
This content was published on
At the end of January 2024, 6,881 men and women were behind bars in Switzerland. Almost 95% of all places were occupied, the highest number since 2014.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
How to bring aid to Afghanistan
This content was published on
Can Switzerland and other donor countries build a “relationship of trust” with the Taliban to avert an economic – and humanitarian – catastrophe?
Swiss diplomacy chief urges speedy help for Afghanistan
This content was published on
Cassis gave the opening remarks at Monday’s United Nations donor conference for the central Asian nation that fell under control of the Islamist Taliban movement. Switzerland’s diplomacy chief urged Afghanistan’s new rulers, who adhere to a hardline interpretation of Sharia (Islamic Law) to “ensure the security of humanitarian and development actors.” Respect for human rights, particularly the protection of minorities and women and girls, must be ensured, Cassis said, adding…
This content was published on
Many Afghan women fear that the past could repeat itself as Western countries, including Switzerland, struggle to respond to the Taliban’s return.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.