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International law adapts as climate court cases add up

Floods in Pakistan force families to evacuate their homes. Women are holding boxes with their belongings as they walk in muddy waters.

The landmark ruling against Switzerland for climate inaction confirmed governments’ obligations to lower greenhouse gas emissions. But what about liability for climate-related damages?

By Rachel Barbara Häubi

Science

Landmark ruling: Switzerland’s climate policy violates human rights

By Luigi Jorio

In the European court on human rights, an assembly in gathered with elderly women in front of the judges of Strasbourg moments before the landmark ruling that condemned Switzerland for climate inaction.

International Geneva

UN Special Rapporteur urges Council of Europe to recognise the right to a healthy environment

By Rachel Barbara Häubi

Science

What is your country doing to protect you from the impacts of climate change?

By Luigi Jorio

Swiss politicians debate sending rejected Eritreans to third country

Picture of a woman holding a baby and a man cooking in the background

This content was published on May 1, 2024 A Swiss parliamentary committee wants to relocate some Eritreans with rejected asylum applications to a third country, such as Rwanda. How feasible is this?

Swiss multinationals see gold in China’s silver economy

This content was published on Apr 30, 2024 China’s ageing population is proving an opportunity for some Swiss healthcare providers.

Take-off of a SWISS Airbus A320 at Zurich airport.

Zurich Airport CEO: ‘Our mission is to meet all demand’

This content was published on Apr 29, 2024 Zurich Airport is predicting a 2% increase in passenger numbers. Its director, Lukas Brosi, explains how it will cope.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on May 1, 2024 In today’s briefing: May Day demos, Swiss Photographer of the Year and a jumping robot.

Dominic Nahr named Swiss press photographer of the Year

This content was published on Apr 30, 2024 Dominic Nahr, known for his war reportages, is the big winner of the Swiss press photography awards this year.

New wars, new weapons, and lots of ethical questions

This content was published on Apr 30, 2024 The technology behind “killer robots” has rapidly advanced, but negotiations to limit the use of these weapons are progressing at a snail’s pace at the UN.

Apple targets Google staff to build artificial intelligence team

This content was published on Apr 30, 2024 iPhone maker recruits generative AI experts into secretive Swiss lab as it prepares fightback against Big Tech rivals.

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SWI swissinfo.ch offers a selection of Swiss films in English chosen from the Swiss streaming platform Play Suisse.

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Check out our long format stories on topics like the Swiss pharma industry, Switzerland’s struggles with dirty gold, and living in the Alps.

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How do you dispose of rubbish in Switzerland? What are the visa requirements? It’s all here.

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More than 45,000 signatures in favour of federal funding for UNRWA

This content was published on Apr 29, 2024 The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (FAC) is expected to decide on the funding of the UNRWA at the beginning of the week.

ICRC Director: We will not replace the UNRWA

This content was published on Apr 29, 2024 “We already have enough to do without trying to replace other organisations,” said ICRC Director Pierre Krähenbühl.

A camp for internally displaced Palestinians who fled from Rafah and northern Gaza Strip.

Switzerland delays UNRWA funding decision

This content was published on Apr 24, 2024 Switzerland will fund Middle east humanitarian projects with loans.

Can UNRWA report restore confidence in the organisation?

This content was published on Apr 24, 2024 Whether an independent report into the neutrality of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, will reassure the US and Israel remains to be seen.

A young girl peers over a line of white UNRWA sacks of flour that have been repurposed as ‘fences’ at a Gaza Strip camp. Behind her are trees and washing lines of clothing.

Switzerland to ‘thoroughly analyse’ UNRWA report before funding decision

This content was published on Apr 23, 2024 The Swiss foreign ministry says it will “thoroughly analyse” an independent review of UNRWA before making any decision about funding.

Swiss franc strengthens amid Middle East tensions

This content was published on Apr 19, 2024 Large overnight gains against the dollar and euro were however partially reversed as markets calmed down somewhat.

Lufthansa suspends flights to Israel amid developing conflict

This content was published on Apr 19, 2024 Four flights have been affected thus far, as the situation between Israel and Iran continues to escalate.

A man holding papers and speaks into a microphone.

Switzerland abstains from vote to grant Palestine full UN membership

This content was published on Apr 19, 2024 Switzerland did not vote to grant Palestine full UN membership. The resolution ended up being blocked by a veto during the vote.

SWISS resumes flights to Tel Aviv

This content was published on Apr 16, 2024 Following a thorough analysis of the situation, it has been concluded that safe operations can be ensured, the airline said on Tuesday.

US and Iran had contact ‘through Swiss intermediaries’ ahead of attack

This content was published on Apr 15, 2024 The US had contact with Iran through Swiss intermediaries both before and after Tehran’s mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory, a senior Biden administration official said.

Swiss authorities condemn Iranian attack on Israel

This content was published on Apr 14, 2024 Switzerland has condemned Iran’s night-time attack on Israel in no uncertain terms and called on all sides to show restraint and prudence.

SWISS flights to skirt Iranian airspace

This content was published on Apr 13, 2024 The airline has decided to temporarily avoid flying through Iranian airspace due to escalating tensions in the region.

Protesters in the Swiss capital city, Bern.

Swiss demonstrators demand Middle East peace

This content was published on Apr 7, 2024 Middle East peace demonstration draws 1,000 people to Swiss capital, Bern.

‘In Gaza, humanitarian workers are not heroes, but victims’

This content was published on Apr 5, 2024 Just back from Gaza, emergency coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières, Marie-Aure Perreaut Revial, condemns systematic attacks on humanitarian workers.

Israeli air strikes hit Deir Al Balah in Gaza.

Swiss foreign ministry warns of deterioration in Middle East

This content was published on Apr 5, 2024 In light of recent developments in the Israel-Hamas war, the Swiss foreign ministry has warned of the possibility of deterioration.

What obstacles and threats do you perceive to press freedom in your country of residence?

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Apr 24, 2024

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How drug prices are negotiated in Switzerland and beyond

This content was published on Apr 23, 2024 Switzerland’s pharmaceutical sector supplies drugs worldwide, but not all countries receive them with the same price tag. Here’s why.

woman in black shirt pointing at camera with blue background and emojis

How you view the problem of low birth rates in Switzerland

This content was published on Apr 22, 2024 Why do you think the Swiss birthrate has fallen so low. What impact will this have?

Guerreiro do Divino Amor poses in front of the "Fountain of Helvetia", part of the installation at the Swiss Pavilion in Venice.

An Alpine carnival: Switzerland stars as a superfiction at the Venice Biennale

This content was published on Apr 20, 2024 The Swiss-Brazilian artist Guerreiro do Divino Amor will represent Switzerland for the 60th edition of the Venice Art Biennale.

Switzerland’s long-standing love of cartography

This content was published on Apr 17, 2024 Long world-renowned, Swiss maps have in recent years managed to reach a wider public.

Moon robots learn to walk – in Zurich

This content was published on Apr 13, 2024 Scientists in Switzerland are developing robots that will one day explore the Moon or Mars.

a customs officer looking through luggage

Drug-busting with customs officers at Zurich airport

This content was published on Apr 12, 2024 Watch: Gino the sniffer dog helps in the search for cocaine smuggled into Switzerland via Zurich airport.

Flexible retirement could help plug labour gaps in Switzerland

This content was published on Apr 3, 2024 At a stretch, people of retirement age could be persuaded to stay at work longer.

Former CERN director Herwig Schopper – a centenarian on the impact of physics

This content was published on Mar 22, 2024 The German physicist and former director of CERN looks back at some of the highlights and encounters of his career.

Tandem jumps are even more dangerous than BASE jumping.

Should tandem BASE jumping be banned in the Swiss Alps?

This content was published on Mar 19, 2024 A new type of extreme sport is making people see red in the Alpine town of Lauterbrunnen: tandem BASE jumping.

How we work: comment moderation

This content was published on Mar 13, 2024 Are comments on SWI swissinfo.ch censored? How do we moderate your contributions? In this video we make our moderation transparent.

‘Yes’ to more state pension in Switzerland

This content was published on Mar 3, 2024 Watch the reaction to Sunday’s vote on raising Swiss state pensions.

A man looking at a vegan cheese wheel on a table.

Redefining what Swiss cheese can be

This content was published on Feb 29, 2024 New Roots has managed to grow from a market stall to a 4,000m2 factory in a span of eight years.

How we work: sources

This content was published on Feb 28, 2024 How does SWI swissinfo.ch track down and vet sources? Find out in the latest installment of our “how we work” series.

Swiss research uses VR to reduce pre-surgery anxiety

This content was published on Feb 25, 2024 The use of virtual reality (VR) in medicine is becoming increasingly popular. For example, to reduce preoperative anxiety.

A call for safer ski slopes in Switzerland

This content was published on Feb 22, 2024 Ski accidents are more serious and more expensive to treat.

External Content

Each day, SWI swissinfo.ch selects and presents content from our European public service media partners as part of a project of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Reuters International

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 21:00

Blinken says US cannot support Rafah assault without humanitarian plan

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 20:42

Harvey Weinstein will be retried in New York after rape conviction overturned

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 20:21

Polish synagogue struck by bottle containing flammable substance

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 20:16

Bakeries bring bread to north Gaza but hunger persists

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 20:10

US issues hundreds of sanctions targeting Russia, takes aim at Chinese companies

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 20:09

Israel backers attack pro-Palestinian camp at UCLA, as NYC police arrest 300

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 20:02

UK house prices fall unexpectedly in April, Nationwide data shows

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 19:31

Russia breached global chemical weapons ban in Ukraine war, US says

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 19:14

Riot police, protesters clash in Paris during May Day protests

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 18:51

UK begins detaining migrants set to be deported to Rwanda

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 18:50

Georgia parliament backs ‘foreign agent’ bill second reading amid protests

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 18:32

UK’s FTSE 100 slips ahead of Fed outcome, energy stocks weigh

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 18:04

Russians throng to display of Western ‘trophy’ tanks captured in Ukraine

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 18:03

Britain rolls out post-Brexit plans for authorising EU investment funds

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 17:50

Analysis-Billionaire ex-PM returns to the stage as Georgian standoff intensifies

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 17:48

Scottish government survives no confidence vote after leader’s resignation

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 17:39

OnlyFans faces UK investigation into age-verification measures

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 17:21

Russian attack kills two, injures six in Ukraine’s east

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 16:59

Bank of England policymakers split on when to cut rates

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 16:52

Bank of England readies its rates steer as investors cool on cuts

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on May 1, 2024 – 18:03

Stocks Fall as Traders Bet on a Fed Hawkish Hold: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Apr 30, 2024 – 22:24

Wall Street Hit by Fed Jitters to Close Wild April: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Apr 30, 2024 – 12:14

Top Glencore Shareholders Favor Keeping Coal Over Spinoff

This content was published on Apr 30, 2024 – 06:00

Cocoa Farmers Earn More in KitKat Program, But Fall Far Short of Living Income

This content was published on Apr 29, 2024 – 22:00

Stock Bulls Look to Earnings With Fed in a Corner: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Apr 29, 2024 – 17:02

UK Rainmaker Ian Hart to Rejoin UBS From Takeover Panel

This content was published on Apr 28, 2024 – 14:15

Powell Is Poised to Keep Fed on Higher-for-Longer Path

This content was published on Apr 26, 2024 – 22:01

‘AI Craze’ Powers Best Week in 2024 for Stocks: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Apr 26, 2024 – 14:34

SNB’s Jordan Warns New Inflation Shocks Could Hit ‘Any Time’

This content was published on Apr 26, 2024 – 13:23

SNB’s Jordan Sees ‘Good Reasons’ to Avoid Crypto Investments

This content was published on Apr 26, 2024 – 00:14

Beer and Booze Go to Battle as Brazil Wraps Up Tax Overhaul

This content was published on Apr 25, 2024 – 23:55

Big Tech Surges in Late Hours on Blowout Earnings: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Apr 25, 2024 – 17:56

Top Cocoa Grower Seeks to Avoid Export Defaults After Price Hike

This content was published on Apr 25, 2024 – 09:56

SNB Should Consider Women for Top Echelon, Jordan PhD Adviser Says

This content was published on Apr 25, 2024 – 09:14

Nestle Sales Growth Sputters on US Slump, Vitamin Snags

This content was published on Apr 25, 2024 – 07:20

SNB Returns to Quarterly Profit Thanks to Swiss Franc Weakness

This content was published on Apr 25, 2024 – 04:24

UBS Analyst Who Took On Evergrande Now Bullish on China Property

This content was published on Apr 24, 2024 – 23:41

Tech Giants Hit in Late Hours After Meta’s Outlook: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Apr 24, 2024 – 20:54

Qatar Will Host Meeting to Discuss Ukrainian Proposal to End War

This content was published on Apr 24, 2024 – 17:24

French Grid Issues Are Causing Power Prices to Soar in Europe

From Bond to Bollywood: scene-stealing Switzerland on the big screen

This content was published on Apr 29, 2024 A scenic cinematic tour of films in which Switzerland’s natural beauty and landmarks have played an unforgettable role.

Swiss Abroad youth parliament receives record number of applications

This content was published on Apr 28, 2024 The Youth Parliament Swiss Abroad (YPSA) has just been renewed. South America is particularly well represented.

A new wave of watchmakers respects classic Swiss designs

This content was published on Apr 27, 2024 The Swiss watch industry isn’t all about export figures and big-name brands. Meet the young designers and entrepreneurs reshaping the sector.

Turkey vs. Zolgensma: the battle over a $2.1 million drug

This content was published on Apr 26, 2024 Turkey and Novartis are in a stand-off over approval of Zolgensma – a $2.1 million gene therapy.

Graubünden at 500: a look back at early modern democracy

This content was published on Apr 26, 2024 History professor Randolph Head sheds light on the evolution of democracy in canton Graubünden, which is turning 500 this year.

The “Zytglogge” in Bern is lit up in the Ukrainian national colours to mark the anniversary of the outbreak of war, Friday, February 24, 2023.

Switzerland’s fiscal policy: defence spending tug-of-war

This content was published on Apr 26, 2024 “We live in unprecedent times” is a common refrain – but is it enough to justify overriding Switzerland’s ‘Debt Brake’?

An outsider at home, a master abroad: Jia Zhangke’s struggles to film the real China

Jia Zhang-ke, Chinese filmmaker and member of the Concorso internazionale Jury, poses during a photocall at the 71st Locarno International Film Festival, Wednesday, August 1, 2018, in Locarno, Switzerland. The Festival del film Locarno runs from 1 to 11 August. (KEYSTONE/Alexandra Wey)

This content was published on Apr 21, 2024 The Chinese director was a guest of honour at the Visions du Réel festival. He explained to SWI how he manages to avoid censorship.

An Alpine carnival: Switzerland stars as a superfiction at the Venice Biennale

This content was published on Apr 20, 2024 The Swiss-Brazilian artist Guerreiro do Divino Amor will represent Switzerland for the 60th edition of the Venice Art Biennale.

People dancing at Montreux Jazz Festival.

The Montreux Jazz Festival in numbers

This content was published on Apr 18, 2024 Here’s a look at some eye-catching facts and figures behind the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland’s biggest annual music festival. The line-up for the July 5-20 event was announced on Thursday.

epa01096613 Director of 'Google Earth' in Zurich, Samuel Widmann, presents the new 'Google Earth' enhancement 'Sky' during a press conference at the planetarium in Hamburg, Germany, 22 August 2007. The updated version makes use of mounted recordings by the astronomical telescope Hubble and photographs by Palomar Observatory, showing about 100 million stars to the Sky-user. EPA/ULRICH PERREY

Google Maps – a Swiss story

This content was published on Apr 19, 2024 Few people know that behind Google Maps lies a Swiss entrepreneur’s intuition as well as the Alpine nation’s long history of cartography.

Read more: Google Maps – a Swiss story

Zurich Zoo unveiled: animal life as you’ve never seen it

This content was published on Apr 14, 2024 The German film maker Romuald Karmakar premiered in Berlin his three-hour documentary about the inner life of one of the top zoos in the world.

Moon robots learn to walk – in Zurich

This content was published on Apr 13, 2024 Scientists in Switzerland are developing robots that will one day explore the Moon or Mars.

Libby Heaney’s quantum soup served in Basel

This content was published on Apr 6, 2024 Quantum Soup is the first solo exhibition of visual artist and quantum physicist Libby Heaney in Switzerland.

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