On November 1 and 2, 2024, the “Solidarity Alert” will make a stop in Basel. Swiss development organizations, represented in Basel by terre des hommes schweiz and IAMANEH Switzerland, are using this campaign to protest against the planned cuts in international cooperation. They are receiving support from prominent politicians.
This week, terre des hommes schweiz and IAMANEH Switzerland, two organizations based in Basel, are bringing the “Solidarity Alarm” to the Schifflände. There, passers-by can trigger an alarm at the touch of a button, sending a strong signal to parliament in Bern. The aim of Alliance Sud’s campaign is to raise public awareness of the planned cuts in international cooperation. The “Solidarity Alert” has been touring Swiss cities since September.
There is also support from the world of politics: in addition to members of the Grand Council in Basel, National Councillor Sarah Wyss and President of the Council of States Eva Herzog have also announced that they will pay a visit to the campaign on Friday to show their solidarity and sound the alarm.
In the upcoming winter session, the national parliament will decide on the international cooperation strategy (IC) for the next four years and the 2025 budget. While CHF 1.5 billion from the IC budget has already been earmarked for aid to Ukraine, Parliament is threatening to make further cuts due to austerity measures and the rearmament of the army. The NGOs therefore want to send a clear signal to Bern: No to the slashing at the expense of the humanitarian tradition!
“This policy is short-sighted. Particularly in view of the global challenges, Switzerland must strengthen its international cooperation instead of reducing it. This is because it makes an indispensable contribution to security and peace in the world,” emphasizes Franziska Lauper, Managing Director of terre des hommes schweiz.
“Solidarity alarm” in Basel:
Friday, November 1, 2024: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Schifflände
Saturday, November 2, 2024: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Schifflände
The “Solidarity Alert” is a campaign by Alliance Sud and is supported by a broad alliance of Swiss development organizations. Further information: www.solidaritaets-alarm.ch
Media contact
terre des hommes schweizJasmin Schraner, Media and Communication
jasmin.schraner@terredeshommes.ch, Tel. +41 (0)61 335 91 51
