ICRC in funding crisis talks with govt

Monday, 5 June 2023 06:30

The International Committee of the Red Cross is suffering a major cash shortfall and is in crisis talks with the government.

That was reported yesterday by the SonntagsZeitung.

The organisation has recently announced 1,800 job cuts in an effort to save CHF 400m.

It’s had a funding gap for some time, but the two emergencies of covid and then the Ukraine war have just added to the pressure.

The Foreign Ministry has confirmed it is in talks with the ICRC to discuss the current situation.

The government may choose to waive the repayment of a CHF 200m loan which was offered to cover covid consequences in the developing world.

Switzerland is the ICRC’s third largest donor and the organisation says it needs a rise of 19% on its current CHF 2.8bn budget.

More from Bitesize News

Govt to delay funding decision for UNRWA

The Swiss government is putting off a decision on whether to re-start funding to the UN Palestinian relief organisation UNRWA.
Potential terrorist arrested in neighbouring France

A teenager threatening to attack the Paris Olympics has been arrested in neighbouring France.
New plan to pay for P+R in France

The canton of Geneva is proposing a new plan on how to finance Park and Ride schemes in neighbouring France.
Nestlé throws mineral water away

The Swiss food giant Nestlé has been forced to destroy several batches of its mineral water brand, Perrier, due to a bacterial contamination.
Sheep head prankster found

The person responsible for placing two sheep heads in the toilets in a Geneva school has been identified – and the investigation has been closed, according to the police.
Former president says Switzerland should join EU

A former member of the Federal Council says the only way Switzerland will achieve its European goals is by becoming a full member of the European Union.

Download our app