Troubled ICRC asking Swiss government for help, says newspaper
The ICRC works in crisis zones around the world. In April, it helped broker a prisoner exchange between Yemen's warring parties.
Keystone / Hisham Al-helali
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is in financial difficulties and has asked the Swiss federal government for help, reports the SonntagsZeitung newspaper.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Sonntagszeitung/jc
Italiano
it
Il CICR in difficoltà chiede aiuto al governo svizzero, secondo un giornale
The Geneva-based humanitarian group has been struggling with a big funding gap for some time, a situation worsened by the Russia-Ukraine war. It recently announced it would have to cut 1,800 jobs to save CHF400 million ($440 million), the paper recalls.
The foreign ministry is “closely monitoring the situation at the ICRC and is concerned about the financial situation and the impact on the staff,” the ministry told the Sonntagszeitung. Both the foreign affairs and finance ministries are “currently holding talks with the ICRC to discuss the current and future challenges linked to the ICRC’s financial situation”, the spokesperson confirmed.
One of the issues under discussion is whether an interest-free loan of CHF200 million ($220 million) granted in 2020 to mitigate the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic in developing countries should be repaid.
Switzerland has traditionally had close ties with the ICRC, founded by Swiss Nobel Peace Prize winner Henry Dunant in the 19th century and guardian of the Geneva Conventions. It is traditionally headed by Swiss nationals and since October has had its first woman president, former Swiss diplomat Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.
Switzerland is the ICRC’s third largest funder. Last year, the federal government contributed CHF166 million to the Geneva-based humanitarian organisation.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Documentary portrays Swiss teenagers forced to return to parents’ homeland
This content was published on
The "Dubai chocolate" has also caused a rush in Switzerland: queues formed outside the Lindt chocolate factory in Kilchberg, canton Zurich, on Saturday morning.
This content was published on
Stargazers currently have the chance to spot shooting stars in the night sky. Until November 30, the Leonid meteor shower is lighting up the darkness.
Nationalisation suggested to save Red Cross Museum
This content was published on
The director of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva is calling for a national debate on the institution's future.
Climate: 224 Swiss companies announce CO2 reduction targets
This content was published on
A total of 224 companies from Switzerland have joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to CO2 reduction targets that are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Swiss political class divided over reform of EU asylum pact
This content was published on
As a result of the EU's Migration and Asylum Pact, Switzerland must adapt five laws linked to the Schengen/Dublin agreements.
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
Red Cross to cut 1,800 jobs worldwide
This content was published on
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is carrying out larger than expected cuts to humanitarian staff and offices.
This content was published on
Neutrality is the Red Cross's watchword. But with a greater push for closer business ties, how will that policy play out?
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.