Daccord has been director general at the ICRC headquarters in Geneva since 2010.
Keystone
Switzerland could do more to fund the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) according to its director general, Yves Daccord.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch /urs
He said he valued highly the CHF150 million ($151 million) annual contribution by the Swiss government, but the country not only receives an additional CHF100 million from taxes and medication bought by the ICRCExternal link.
“This doesn’t even take into account the benefit from our good reputation,” he told the French-language Le Temps newspaper.
He acknowledged that the government funds have remained stable and that Switzerland has been “doing a superb job”, also granting the Geneva-based ICRC its full independence.
“But in my opinion, this is not enough,” Daccord is quoted as saying.
He pointed out that Germany – the ICRC’s fourth biggest contributor – quadrupled its financial support in the past few years.
Ties with the United States, one of the main donor countries, have been strained for more than 15 years. Daccord said it is a complex relationship with various partners, not only with the government of President Trump.
WEF board
Daccord rejected criticism about the membership of ICRC President Peter Maurer of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum organisation.
He said he was aware of the controversy among some staff members, but the ICRC assembly had approved the presidential mandate.
“Peter Maurer and I believe it is better to join the WEF to be able to raise humanitarian issues. Otherwise there’s a risk of being sidelined in discussions,” Daccord said.
Founded in 1863, the three-time winner of the Nobel Peace Prize ICRC is financed by voluntary contributions form states which signed the Geneva Conventions, national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, supranational organisations as well as public and private sources.
In an appeal last November, the humanitarian organisation called on donors for more than CHF2 billion for 2018 to fund its field operations, an increase of nearly 12% on the previous year.
More
More
The ICRC as a Swiss political tool
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?
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage
This content was published on
The Faverges glacial lake on the Plaine Morte above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland drained over the weekend. There was no flooding or damage, the authorities announced on Monday.
Chihuahua leads Swiss rescue team to owner stuck in a crevasse
This content was published on
A Chihuahua helped to rescue a man on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee VS on Friday. It alerted a rescue team to its owner who had fallen into a crevasse.
Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States
This content was published on
According to a survey of managers, Swiss companies are increasingly turning away from the USA and orientating themselves more towards Southeast Asia and the EU. This is the result of a recent survey.
This content was published on
The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.
This content was published on
A 35-year-old man has died in a work accident at the valley station of the Heimwehfluh toboggan run in Matten near Interlaken, canton Bern.
This content was published on
The Swiss embassy in Tehran re-opened on Sunday after being closed on June 20 owing to the unstable situation in the country.
This content was published on
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and her youngest daughter Princess Ariane attended the Netherlands' women's European Championship football match against Wales in Switzerland on Saturday.
Swiss want to better protect military airfields from spying
This content was published on
Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister says he wants to better protect Swiss military airfields against espionage activities.
Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025
This content was published on
A man flew a drone around the venue on Wednesday evening during the first match of the Women's EURO 2025 in St. Gallen. The 30-year-old violated the absolute ban on flying during match days. He was reported to the police.
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
The ICRC as a Swiss political tool
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?
ICRC seeks CHF2 billion for 2018 humanitarian work
This content was published on
The Swiss-run International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it needs over CHF2 billion ($2 billion) to help millions of people next year.
Swiss pledge funds for ICRC’s humanitarian efforts
This content was published on
The Swiss government has decided to support the Geneva headquarters of the ICRC with an annual contribution of CHF80 million ($83.9 million).
This content was published on
The ICRC call for a cultural shift for the humanitarian aid sector following a series of scandals about sexual misconduct in several aid agencies.
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.