The mandate of Swiss Humanitarian Aid (SHA) is to save lives and alleviate suffering. It is active in protecting the interests of vulnerable population groups before, during, and after periods of conflicts, crises, or natural disasters. Water and Sanitation is one of four thematic priorities of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid.
The SHA contributes to bridging the gap between humanitarian and development interventions by taking on a long-term view on their planning and operations. The SHA often works closely together with other Divisions of the SDC and sometime they jointly implement or support projects. An example of such direct cooperation in water is a project to scale up a comprehensive model for rural water and sanitation for promoting peace in Colombia, which is co-financed by SDC's Global Programme Water. Other examples of work carried out recently include a project to support the emergency relief efforts in Mozambique in the aftermath of cyclone Idai, or the WASH support for Rohingya Refugees and vulnerable local communities in Cox's Bazar.
The number of projects implemented by the SHA is high, they are varied and target many countries. As can be seen from the following selection of initiatives, programmes and projects, Humanitarian Aid is not only about getting safe drinking water to refugees (see this video for some personal testimonials) – it is about a comprehensive yet flexible and targeted approach to save lives and alleviate suffering in each situation, from rapid response to interventions in complex disasters and fragile contexts.
For more information, contact Marc-André Bünzli, Head WASH Unit of SHA at SDC's Head Office in Berne
The Swiss Humanitarian Aid is primarily active in 16 countries or priority zones of intervention © SDC
