UN Emergency Relief Coordinator to Switzerland: “We need you!”
Published: Thursday, Mar 21st 2024, 07:20
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UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths has called on Switzerland to become more involved in humanitarian aid and international dialog. "Switzerland stands for the humanitarian hub in Geneva, for global operations. We need this Switzerland now, we need it more than ever."
He has been dealing with wars for 50 years, Griffiths said in an interview with the Tamedia newspapers published on Thursday. "And the world has never been as angry as it is today." The crises in Sudan, Myanmar, Syria, Gaza and Ukraine show that global values of humanity are at stake. "And Switzerland in particular stands for these values," said Griffiths. "That's why I say to Switzerland: We need you! We need you as a haven for peacemaking."
The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator was convinced that Switzerland could do more in its own way than most other countries. "Switzerland is a unique brand and has unique opportunities - because of its values and its discretion." In Geneva, for example, talks are also possible with "shady groups".
It is true that there are now more states than in the past that are involved in international mediation, such as Qatar or Turkey, said Griffiths. However, Switzerland has the "tradition and skills of mediation". "Just because more states are active in mediation does not take the pressure off Switzerland. Switzerland should stand up and assert itself," said Griffiths.
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