Children often pay the heaviest price in an armed conflict. In Syria, they have become victims of a major humanitarian crisis.
Keystone
The Swiss government has decided to reduce by CHF30 million ($30.2 million) its financial contribution to United Nations agencies over the next three years.
The cutbacks for multilateral organisations are the result of a savings decided by the government, according to a foreign ministry spokesman.
In total, Switzerland has pledged CHF312 million to four UN agencies, according to a statement.
While the payments to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the agency for gender equality and empower of women (UN Women) were left unchanged at CHF48 million each, the UN Development Programme (UNDPExternal link) and the UN children’s fund (UnicefExternal link) have to cope with cuts of around CHF24 million and CHF6 million respectively.
The payments are “in line with Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition and its values of shared responsibility, equal opportunities and sustainable development”, the government said on Wednesday.
“These agencies help to promote Switzerland’s interests through reducing inequality, poverty, conflicts and other challenges that have repercussions well beyond developing countries,” it added.
It described the four agencies as “key actors in achieving the sustainable development goals of the 2030 agenda.” Switzerland’s contribution is limited to CHF156.4 million for the UNDP and CHF59.6 million for Unicef.
In May, Foreign Affairs Minister Ignazio Cassis criticised the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNWRA), causing a public outcry. But he stopped short of suggesting a significant reduction in payments.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
UN in Geneva calls for reform of tariffs on plastics
This content was published on
The United Nations is calling for a reform of customs tariffs on plastics, which are lower than those imposed on alternatives, ahead of negotiations for a treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help
This content was published on
Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.
Giant Swiss flag torn by the wind at the foot of mountain
This content was published on
A giant Swiss flag tore as it was rolled out on a grassy slope at the foot of a mountain ahead of August 1 National Day celebrations.
Swiss scientists reveal the complex craft of prehistoric tattooing
This content was published on
An international research team led by the University of Bern has analysed tattoos on a Siberian glacial mummy that is over 2,000 years old.
Swiss National Bank posts CHF15 billion loss in first half of the year
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) slipped into the red in the first half of 2025 due in particular to the weakening US dollar.
Exiled Russians criticise visit of sanctioned Russian politicians to Geneva
This content was published on
Around 200 Russian opposition figures have sent an open letter protesting the presence of sanctioned Russian politicians 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.
Read more
More
Switzerland to increase aid partnerships with private sector
This content was published on
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) plans to double the number of partnerships with the private sector in the next two years.
UN reforms in 2018 are top priority, says Swiss diplomat
This content was published on
Urgent reforms to the United Nations system, global migration, sustainable development and peace-building are top priorities for Switzerland.
This content was published on
“The situation of children in Switzerland is rather favourable, however we must recognise that there are a number of sensitive issues and shortcomings,” declared ambassador Stefan Cueni, head of the Swiss delegation, which this week defended its child rights record before a UN specialist committee in Geneva. “Some children suffer from poverty, sexual abuse and…
UN ‘complaints’ follow Cassis remarks on Palestine
This content was published on
There have been complaints at the UN after foreign minister Ignazio Cassis criticized UN policy on Palestine, write two Sunday newspapers.
This content was published on
Peter Maurer, head of the ICRC, has addressed the recent controversial Palestinian comments made by the Swiss foreign minister, Ignazio Cassis.
Minister: ‘UN aid agency is part of the problem in the Middle East’
This content was published on
United Nations aid work for Palestinian refugees is a stumbling block to peace in the Middle East, hindering integration.
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.