Act on International Cooperation to Combat Poverty and Strengthen Sustainable Development (GIZA) - Subject Matter and Purpose (GIZA)

1. This law regulates the cantonal promotion of international cooperation for the purpose of combating poverty and strengthening sustainable development on a global level.

1. The promotion of international cooperation is achieved through the granting of financial support to projects and programs, through social cooperations and engagements of the Canton with selected countries, regions, or cities, as well as through scholarships for young professionals from developing countries.

2. In extraordinary emergency situations, immediate assistance may be provided.

3. Grants for projects and programs within the meaning of paragraph 1 can be requested by legal entities that particularly fulfill the following prerequisites

a) they operate as non-profit organizations in the field of international cooperation as defined by this law;

b) they have their registered office in Switzerland.

4. There is no legal entitlement to benefits based on this law.

5. The Government Council shall regulate the funding criteria as well as the specifics of the procedure through ordinances.

1. Programs and projects, as well as social cooperations and engagements pursuant to § 2 paragraph 1, must meet recognized quality criteria, which particularly allow for the assessment of impact orientation, efficient use of resources, sustainability, and transparency.

2. The government council shall regulate the specifics of providing evidence for meeting the required quality criteria by means of regulations.

3. The government council may initiate external audits.

1. The government council designates the department responsible for the implementation and coordination of international cooperation.

1. The Executive Council appoints a Commission for International Cooperation.

2. The Commission advises the Executive Council and the competent department within the framework of the promotion according to § 2 para. 1 and para. 2. The Executive Council may provide for exceptions to the advisory involvement of the Commission.

3. The Executive Council regulates the election procedure, the composition, and the specific tasks of the Commission by way of ordinance.

1. To finance international cooperation pursuant to § 2 para. 1, the Grand Council periodically approves a framework expenditure authorization. The Council of State reports to the Grand Council on the utilization of the framework expenditure authorization.

2. The total expenditures of the canton for international cooperation shall be guided by 0.7% of the average direct tax revenues from natural and legal persons over the past four years, and shall not exceed this amount.

3. The percentage of 0.7% may be reduced if

a) the net debt ratio is less than two per mille below the permissible value according to § 4 of the Act on the Cantonal Financial Budget (Financial Budget Act) dated March 14, 2012, or

b) a cumulative deficit exceeding CHF 50 million results over the last three fiscal years.

4. In no case shall the total expenditures of the canton for international cooperation fall below 0.3% of the average direct tax revenues from natural and legal persons of the last four years.