Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Bern, December 12, 2023 – Switzerland, together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is hosting the second Global Refugee Forum from December 13-15. December 2023 in Geneva. The aim of the forum is to provide more effective and globally coordinated help to people fleeing violence and crises. It will take stock of the implementation of the measures adopted as part of the Global Compact for Refugees to date and is intended to further strengthen the international community’s commitment in this area. At the forum, Switzerland confirms its support for the protection and integration of refugees in Switzerland and abroad. In addition to the federal government, cantons, cities and civil society also contribute.
More than 4,200 delegates from over 100 countries will take part in the forum, which takes place every four years. The 2023 edition, organized by Switzerland and UNHCR in collaboration with Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan and Uganda, will be attended by several high-level representatives from States, international organizations, the private sector and civil society.
The Swiss delegation is led by State Secretary for Migration Christine Schraner Burgener. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA) is represented by Patricia Danzi as Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The city of Zurich, the civil society organization Asylex and a refugee living in Switzerland are also part of the delegation. Switzerland has made it possible for almost 100 refugees from all over the world to officially participate in the forum so that their voices can be heard.
117 million people on the run
Increasing conflict, human rights violations, climate change and poverty have caused the number of forcibly displaced people to rise sharply around the world. More than 117 million people are considered refugees.
This presents the international community with major challenges. Addressing these requires a joint effort from public and private actors around the world.
The forum offers the opportunity to discuss solutions to overcome these challenges and to mobilize the necessary international support for the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees. The goals of the pact are: to relieve the burden on host countries hosting refugees; promoting the independence of refugees; expanding access to services for refugees in third countries; Improving conditions in refugees’ countries of origin so that they can return in safety and dignity.
Switzerland’s commitment
At the Global Refugee Forum, states and relevant actors have the opportunity to make public commitments to implement the goals of the Global Compact for Refugees. Switzerland will present its commitments in several areas at both national and international levels through contributions from the federal government, cantons, cities and civil society. These concern, among other things, the fight against human trafficking, access to education, the protection of unaccompanied minors and the inclusion of refugees in processes affecting them.
Switzerland also supports local authorities and civil society organizations in their efforts and strengthens cooperation with international organizations to provide technical know-how for the sustainable resettlement of refugees.
Address for inquiries
Communication EDA
West Federal Building
CH-3003 Bern
Tel. Media Office: +41 58 460 55 55
E-Mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @EDA_DFAE
State Secretariat for Migration SEM
E-Mail: medien@sem.admin.ch
editor
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
2023-12-12 11:40:47
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