The funding serves several Swiss priorities, the government said in a statementExternal link: as well as a sign of commitment to “human development, humanitarian action and regional stability”, it also allows the country to “continue to exert a positive influence on UNRWA’s policy and working methods”.
Despite previously voicing concerns about the role of UNRWA in the Middle East (see below), the government said on Friday that the agency plays “a key role as a stabilising factor in the region”. The situation for Palestinian refugees, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, has been exacerbated by conflicts over the past decade, the government said.
It highlighted the 710 UNRWA-run schools in the region, serving some 540,000 children – this creates opportunities and helps to “reduce the risk of radicalisation”.
UNRWA also runs 143 primary healthcare centres in the region, providing 3.1 million Palestinian refugees with access to high-quality health services each year, the government wrote.
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It helps to be Swiss, says new boss of Palestinian refugee agency
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We talk to Philippe Lazzarini, new Swiss boss of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, about coronavirus and his plans to restore trust.
UNRWA has been hit by various funding and credibility crises over the past years, which reached a highpoint in November 2020, when the body was on the verge of financial collapse and unable to pay salaries.
Current boss of the agency Philippe Lazzarini, who is also Swiss, said last year that UNRWA had overcome its crises and that he had held promising talks with Cassis regarding shared priorities.
At the end of November 2022, however, during a funding appeal, Lazzarini said that the global economic crisis had again pushed the agency into a “danger zone” that could result in it no longer being able to fulfil its mandate.
Majority of young Swiss well-trained, army fitness test reveals
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More than half of young Swiss men and women are considered well-trained, with around 80% meeting the federal government's exercise recommendations, according to the Armed Forces 2023 fitness test.
Italian consulate to relocate to ‘Casa d’Italia’ in Zurich
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The Italian state is renovating the "Casa d'Italia" in Zurich's Kreis 4 district, with plans to move the Consulate General from its current location on Tödistrasse in District 2 to this historic building.
Swiss companies maintain financial stability amid European struggles
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Swiss companies continue to demonstrate financial robustness compared to their European counterparts, although corporate restructuring activities have increased in recent months.
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Unknown assailants detonated an ATM in canton Vaud early Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the building. The perpetrators fled the scene and remain at large.
Kudelski Group to sell Skidata division to Assa Abloy
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The Kudelski Group is selling its Skidata division to the Swedish manufacturer of locking and security systems Assa Abloy.
Tragic weekend in Swiss waters: three bodies recovered
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Swiss authorities recovered three bodies from local waters over the weekend, with one incident occurring in Zurich and two in Zug.
Lake Parade in Geneva attracts over 100,000 people
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The 22nd Lake Parade and the Lake Sensation in Geneva attracted over 100,000 people in summery weather on Saturday. There were no major incidents at either event.
Graubünden storm causes significant economic damage, prompting support measures
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The recent storm in Misox, in canton Graubünden, has resulted in severe economic damage, affecting SMEs, tourism, and agricultural land.
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.
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Former UNRWA boss hopeful for formal UN exoneration
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Pierre Krähenbühl, ex-head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, talks about why he soon expects closure on the 2019 misconduct scandal.
UNRWA boss warns of financial crisis impacting services
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The financial crisis at the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) could force it to halt certain services, Philippe Lazzarini has warned.
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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.