The funding serves several Swiss priorities, the government said in a statementExternal link: as well as a sign of commitment to “human development, humanitarian action and regional stability”, it also allows the country to “continue to exert a positive influence on UNRWA’s policy and working methods”.
Despite previously voicing concerns about the role of UNRWA in the Middle East (see below), the government said on Friday that the agency plays “a key role as a stabilising factor in the region”. The situation for Palestinian refugees, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, has been exacerbated by conflicts over the past decade, the government said.
It highlighted the 710 UNRWA-run schools in the region, serving some 540,000 children – this creates opportunities and helps to “reduce the risk of radicalisation”.
UNRWA also runs 143 primary healthcare centres in the region, providing 3.1 million Palestinian refugees with access to high-quality health services each year, the government wrote.
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Foreign Affairs
It helps to be Swiss, says new boss of Palestinian refugee agency
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We talk to Philippe Lazzarini, new Swiss boss of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, about coronavirus and his plans to restore trust.
UNRWA has been hit by various funding and credibility crises over the past years, which reached a highpoint in November 2020, when the body was on the verge of financial collapse and unable to pay salaries.
Current boss of the agency Philippe Lazzarini, who is also Swiss, said last year that UNRWA had overcome its crises and that he had held promising talks with Cassis regarding shared priorities.
At the end of November 2022, however, during a funding appeal, Lazzarini said that the global economic crisis had again pushed the agency into a “danger zone” that could result in it no longer being able to fulfil its mandate.
Swiss foreign minister praises improved relations with Italy
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Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis expressed his satisfaction on Tuesday with the good relations that Switzerland has developed with Italy.
Boating and swimming to be banned on part of River Aare in Bern
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From September, the city and canton of Bern will be carrying out extensive construction work on the River Aare to protect against flooding and to renovate the Marzili outdoor pool.
Moutier: foreigners familiarise themselves with right to vote
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From 2026, Moutier will be part of the Swiss canton of Jura, gaining more than 1,000 new voters. On Monday around 50 people were informed about their new rights.
Switzerland ‘more than ready’ to host Ukraine summit
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Switzerland is more than ready to host a summit between Russia and Ukraine, says Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, highlighting Switzerland's expertise in this area.
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Every second aircraft at Zurich Airport took off late this summer. However, the situation has already improved significantly compared to last year.
Swiss union federation demands average wage increase of 2%
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The employees' umbrella organisation Travailsuisse is demanding an average wage increase of two percent for all employees in the coming year. This would cover the rising cost of living and make up for wage shortfalls in recent years.
‘Dr Pump’ sentenced for administering unauthorised substances
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A Bern Regional Court has found the Solothurn doctor known as "Dr Pump" guilty of offences against the Sports Promotion Law. The man had administered unauthorised substances to patients.
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Volunteering can have a positive effect on mental health. According to a survey conducted in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, people who volunteer for others also strengthen themselves.
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Twint is being used more and more frequently to make purchases at the till or transfer money to friends using a smartphone. By the middle of the year, the payment app already had more than six million users in Switzerland.
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The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin should take place in Europe, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. He is calling for it to be held in Geneva.
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.
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Former UNRWA boss hopeful for formal UN exoneration
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Pierre Krähenbühl, ex-head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, talks about why he soon expects closure on the 2019 misconduct scandal.
UNRWA boss warns of financial crisis impacting services
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The financial crisis at the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) could force it to halt certain services, Philippe Lazzarini has warned.
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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.