Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Swiss to provide extra funds for Syria and Turkey earthquake victims

Syrian refugee camp at night
Aid groups say the situation in the region remains critical following a series of devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Keystone / Yahya Nemah

Switzerland has pledged CHF8.5 million ($9.2 million) towards relief efforts in Turkey and Syria following a devastating earthquake in the region.

The government’s delegate for humanitarian aid, Manuel Bessler, made the announcement at an international donors’ conference in Brussels on Monday.

“Switzerland is reinforcing its commitment to sustaining its aid efforts in Syria and the surrounding region,” the Swiss foreign ministry said in a statement.

It added that Switzerland has provided the Syrian population with more than CHF610 million in aid since 2011.

+ Switzerland eases sanctions on Syria

The European Union, which co-organised the fundraising conference, said it will provide both countries with €1 billion (CHF988 million).

Aid groups said the situation in the region remains critical and urged donors to ensure that the UN’s appeal for €1 billion for Turkey and Syria is fully funded.

A series of tremors struck Turkey and Syria six weeks ago, killing an estimated 56,000 people and leaving tens of thousand others without a home. 

News

Across a red and white striped police line and a grassy area and in front of grey, concrete buildings can be seen a white police van with yellow and blue stripes. The door to the van is open and four male police officers in navy uniforms and black vests that say ‘cantonal police’ are standing next to the van.

More

Switzerland knife attack leaves six injured

This content was published on A man injured half a dozen people with knives, two of them seriously, before being arrested on Wednesday in northern Switzerland.  

Read more: Switzerland knife attack leaves six injured

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR