Attachments
The 2023 Global Refugee Forum will be co-hosted by Switzerland and UNHCR in December to build on the progress made by governments and other stakeholders towards the implementation of pledges.
2023 saw an increase in arrivals of 29 per cent compared to 2022, which challenges the capacities of the asylum system. Asylum-seekers’ are mainly from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Türkiye.
UNHCR advocates with the government and non-governmental partners for socioeconomic inclusion of refugees into their regular planning and projects.
HIGHLIGHTS
Community empowerment and self-reliance Three projects by refugee-led organizations received UNHCR financial support in 2023. They aim to enhance refugee inclusion in Switzerland.
Participatory assessments As part of a series of needs assessments, several focus group discussions with refugees from Ukraine were organized in Bern, Lausanne and online. Discussions sought to address topics such as inclusion and return intentions.
Resettlement program In June, the Swiss Government has approved the 2024-2025 resettlement programme, with a quota of up to 1,600 refugees. The programme, however, remains suspended until the current shortage in reception capacity is resolved.