Regulation on Development Cooperation and International Humanitarian Aid

Development cooperation supports the efforts of developing countries to improve the living conditions of their populations.

Priority is given to supporting countries that receive federal aid, particularly by promoting

a) education, training, and culture,

b) family assistance and public health,

c) infrastructure, specifically in the fields of agricultural production, primary housing, and essential urbanization services.

Development cooperation can take the following forms

a) financial aid for projects carried out by private Ticinese aid organizations, or directed or coordinated on site directly by Ticinese citizens;

b) financial aid, by assuming or contributing to the cost of development projects carried out by private aid organizations at a national level;

c) participation in cooperation projects carried out jointly within the framework of cross-border cooperation.

The aid is materialized upon presentation of an application with documented proposals, including a financing plan, timelines, and implementation methods.

The aid can be sustained and spread over several years.

The recipient submits a report to the body designated by the Canton regarding the utilization of the financial aid.

Humanitarian aid contributes, through preventive and relief measures, to preserving human life in danger and alleviating suffering. It is intended in particular for populations affected by a natural disaster or armed conflict.

Priority is given to developing countries, European regions with which qualified relationships exist and with which the Confederation maintains diplomatic ties and relations.

Humanitarian aid may take the following forms

a) financial aid, by contributing to the cost of actions carried out by the Swiss Red Cross or by national organizations referred to in Art. 2, lit. b;

b) in particular cases, financial aid for actions carried out by cantonal organizations as referred to in Art. 2, lit. a);

c) participation in actions carried out jointly within the framework of cross-border cooperation.

The procedures referred to in Article 3 apply, except for financial contributions subsequent to the event dictated by urgency.

Within the framework of humanitarian aid, the State also supports, through national or international Organizations, actions that aim to safeguard human rights, as a moral imperative and a prerequisite for sustainable development.

The financing is provided through the credit annually entered in the budget.

Based on the annual report, the State Council informs on the use of the allocated funds.

The application of the present regulation is entrusted to the State Chancellery.

The regulation is published in the Official Bulletin of Laws and Executive Acts and enters into force immediately. [1]

Published in OB 2002, 14.

[1] Entry into force: January 18, 2002 - OB 2002, 14.