Humanitarian Tradition
Switzerland has a long humanitarian tradition and has for centuries acted as a safe haven for people persecuted for their religious or political beliefs. In 1863 the Red Cross, known today as the ICRC, was founded in Geneva on the initiative of a Swiss humanitarian. Switzerland is very active in the field of development cooperation and provides rapid assistance for humanitarian crises and conflicts. It is committed to alleviating poverty and hardship throughout the world, and to sustainable development.
