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Development policy

Article as analysis

Contradictory plans for Africa

Migration prevention is becoming an ever more prominent feature of international cooperation. Lately, the funding of systems of repression has also become a part of it. The new Foreign Minister is well advised to raise questions about this trend.

Article as analysis

The misguided policy of turning a blind eye

Also in Switzerland the "refugee crisis" is causing a stir. A few facts would be a useful input to this discussion.

IZA-Budget 2017-2020

Short-sighted savings at expense of the poorest

Massive cuts were made to the Confederation's 2016 development assistance budget. The Federal Council also cut back the credit lines in its Dispatch on Switzerland's International Cooperation 2017-2020.

The misconception around development aid

"Development aid reinforces poverty" – the Swiss media have used this headline in commenting on Nobel Prize Winner Angus Deaton's research. There's a major misunderstanding in this debate.

Development assistance: successful 0.7% petition

A broad-based mobilization was what triggered the gradual raising of Switzerland's official development assistance up to 2015. As a result of a petition, Parliament approved an increase to 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI).

Article as analysis

Eying the development budget

Switzerland is proud of its contribution to the successful adoption of the 2030 Agenda. At the same time the Government is planning deep cuts to development cooperation funding.

Article as analysis

Swiss emergency stocks on the expense of the poor

The new draft of the National Economic Supply Act endorses the funding of Switzerland's mandatory stocks through taxes on imports of products from other countries, including the poorest ones.

Article as analysis

PPDPs: Government-subsidized client hunting

Public-private development partnerships are becoming increasingly popular. The Swiss Government too in its message on International Cooperation 2013-2016 called for increased collaboration with multinational corporations. This raises questions.