Switzerland's commitment to 'Protection in the Region' programmes will help to ensure that:
- persons in need receive effective protection in their countries of origin as soon as possible
- concerned host countries are able to fulfil their international obligations to protect refugees
- irregular secondary movements from the regions of origin are reduced, thus reducing at the same time the number of requests for asylum in Switzerland
- bilateral dialogue is encouraged with the host countries concerned.
Planning and Implementation of the 'Protection in the Region' programmes depends on a comprehensive procedure based on interdepartmental (ministerial) coordination and cooperation ('whole of government approach'). Apart from the SDC, it includes the Directorate of Political Affairs' Human Security Division and the Federal Office for Migration (FOM).
Efforts will also have to be made to achieve close cooperation with external partners, both state and non-state.
