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State

Caroline Hancock-Ebner
Programme Officer
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC
Domain Humanitarian Aid and SHA / Multilateral Humanitarian Affairs Division
caroline.hancock-ebner@eda.admin.ch


Yes
measures to promote public understanding and acceptance of the role of humanitarian volunteers, regularly share challenges and good practices, Offering/Sharing expertise and resources

•Switzerland has been supporting the Center of Competence in humanitarian negotiations (ICRC, UNHCR; WFP, MSF, HD) in Geneva since its founding in 2015. Negotiation capacities are an important factor regarding the security and safety of humanitarian workers, including volunteers. http://frontline-negotiations.org/about-the-centre-of-competence/
•Switzerland supports endeavours to disseminate IHL, especially to armed groups. This can contribute to the security of humanitarians / volunteers.
•Switzerland stresses the importance of full implementation of SC Res 2286. Often, volunteers are involved in medical activities. Therefore, engagements for the protection of the medical mission also protect volunteers.