Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Swiss “satisfied” with water declaration

This content was published on Mar 23, 2006 But the declaration stopped short of demanding that water be recognised as a human right – a move criticised by several countries and by many non-governmental organisations. The week-long Mexico forum, organised by the World Water Council and the Mexican authorities, wrapped up on Wednesday after a two-day ministerial meeting. In a joint declaration, representatives…

Swiss Politics

Aid package wins approval but faces new battle

This content was published on Mar 20, 2006 But several rightwing parties have threatened to challenge the agreement to a nationwide vote. The Senate on Monday followed the House of Representatives in adopting an extension of a programme introduced in the 1990s. It is aimed at helping eastern European countries transform into market economies following the collapse of the Communist regimes. Switzerland has…

Swiss Politics

Swiss push for UN Security Council reform

This content was published on Mar 20, 2006 The resolution, which calls for reform of how the UN’s most powerful body works, includes limiting the use of the veto held by its “permanent five” members. The resolution, jointly signed by Switzerland, Singapore, Liechtenstein, Jordan and Costa Rica, was presented to the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday. “The aim is not…

Swiss Politics

UN rights commission adjourns again

This content was published on Mar 20, 2006 Manuel Rodriguez Cuadros, the commission’s president, said on Monday that he needed to wait for further details on the handover to the new Human Rights Council. “We need a decision from the [UN] Economic and Social Council so that the commission can resume its work in a coherent manner,” said Rodriguez Cuadros. The 53-member commission,…

Swiss Politics

UN commission serves out its time

This content was published on Mar 19, 2006 After the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to create the new council last Wednesday, all that remains is for the commission to tie up the current loose ends. The 62nd and final Human Rights Commission session no longer has the legitimacy to intervene on other issues that were once in its domain, according…

Swiss Politics

Wait goes on for a national human rights body

This content was published on Mar 18, 2006 Non-governmental organisations fear the need to find a politically acceptable solution means it could be another three years before a national human rights institution sees the light of day. The first seeds for such a body were sown five years ago when an initiative was lodged in parliament, calling for the establishment of a federal…

Swiss Politics

Swiss hope for progress on Kosovo

This content was published on Mar 17, 2006 The comments came after a meeting between Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey and the United Nations Special Envoy for Kosovo, Martti Ahtisaari. The session in Austria was the second round of talks between Serbian and ethnic Albanian officials after a preliminary round in February ended with no agreement. Friday’s discussions focused once again on the…

Swiss Politics

Reality dawns after human rights breakthrough

This content was published on Mar 16, 2006 Questions remain over the role of the United States, and there are fears that urgent issues will be neglected during the replacement of the discredited Human Rights Commission. The new council, which is due to sit for the first time in Geneva on June 19, was approved by an overwhelming majority of United Nations member…

Swiss Politics

Swiss hail new UN human rights body

This content was published on Mar 15, 2006 The new body, which will replace the Geneva-based Human Rights Commission, was adopted by an overwhelming majority of member states despite opposition from the United States. Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey spoke of her “profound joy” on hearing the news that the council – the result of a Swiss initiative – had been accepted on Wednesday.…

Swiss Politics

East Timor leader appeals for aid

This content was published on Mar 15, 2006 Gusmao held talks on Wednesday with the executive committee of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, ahead of a visit to the Swiss capital, Bern. Gusmao said he requested aid from the Geneva-based International Labour Organisation, and held talks with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour. Gusmao is the first…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

More

Swiss “satisfied” with water declaration

More

Aid package wins approval but faces new battle

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Swiss push for UN Security Council reform

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UN rights commission adjourns again

More

UN commission serves out its time

More

Wait goes on for a national human rights body

More

Swiss hope for progress on Kosovo

More

Reality dawns after human rights breakthrough

More

Swiss hail new UN human rights body

More

East Timor leader appeals for aid

Popular Stories

Most Discussed