Switzerland confirms official end to Afghan evacuations
Bern has now ended its evacuations from Afghanistan after bringing 387 people to Switzerland over two weeks with the help of the German military, says the foreign ministry.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jc
These people include 34 Swiss nationals and 218 Afghans who worked for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation with their families, it said in a press releaseExternal link on Friday. The ministry said there were still 11 Swiss nationals in Afghanistan, some working for international organisations, with whom it remains in contact, and 16 people with Swiss residence permits.
Swiss security officials taking part in the operation have also been repatriated and the crisis cell wound up.
The 218 Afghans and their families evacuated to Switzerland fall under an already established resettlement quota. They are currently in federal asylum centres where they have received medical treatment, had their identity checked and their personal details recorded. After their stay in the asylum centres “they are granted asylum in Switzerland and are distributed to the cantons for integration”, according to the press release.
More
More
Switzerland divided on taking Afghan refugees
This content was published on
After the Taliban takeover, Switzerland has no plans to take in more Afghan refugees despite growing calls to do so.
The foreign ministry described the evacuation effort as “Switzerland’s most extensive evacuation operation to date”. But despite the operation’s success, it said “Switzerland is concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Kabul and strongly condemns yesterday’s series of attacks”. “The high level of violence is contributing significantly to the desperation of the Afghan population and increasing the number of displaced persons seeking safety and protection. Switzerland condemns violations of international law and urges all actors involved to respect international humanitarian law and human rights. In particular, the rights of minorities and of women and girls must be guaranteed.”
Switzerland also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and said it would “continue its engagement in the current context”. Bern reiterated its willingness to provide good offices “be it as a host state for an international conference or as a facilitator for talks, should the parties so desire”.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
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
Taliban rise will fuel other extremist groups, warns Afghan ambassador
This content was published on
The chaos in Kabul will quickly have consequences for Western democracies, especially in terms of security, says the Afghan ambassador.
Switzerland considers possible Afghanistan conference
This content was published on
Switzerland is investigating the possibility of hosting an international conference on Afghanistan on Swiss soil, according to a news report.
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.