Switzerland’s legacy of courage
In 1953, a fragile post-war world was beginning to move on. But for millions of refugees across Europe, the crisis was far from over. UNHCR was facing a devastating shortfall in funding. Without urgent support, the very mission of protecting forcibly displaced people was in jeopardy.
From this moment of crisis emerged an extraordinary story of solidarity.
Switzerland stepped in. Not just governments, but private companies, philanthropic foundations and citizens. With determination and generosity, they enabled UNHCR to continue to provide shelter, dignity and hope to those who had lost everything.
Today’s crisis is even greater – and so is the opportunity
Fast forward to today: more than 122 million people have been forcibly displaced – a number that has been increasing every year for about a decade. Conflict, persecution, and climate related disasters continue to uproot lives on every continent.
UNHCR is doing everything it can to respond. But global humanitarian aid is once again under terrible threat from brutal funding cuts: 11.6 million people risk losing access to lifesaving aid in 2025. Despite growing needs, humanitarian resources are shrinking at an alarming pace.
“It's not just a lack of funding. The cost of inaction will be measured in suffering, instability and destroyed futures.” – Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Access to shelter, food, protection, healthcare and education are under threat. In many operations, impossible choices will have to be made and we no longer know what will be possible tomorrow.
Here is just a snapshot of what we are seeing:
These are not just statistics. These are lives hanging in the balance across all continents.
The power of partnerships
When a crisis breaks out – whether caused by war, natural disaster, or political turmoil – every single hour counts. In such moments, UNHCR must remain able to act fast, without waiting for new funding to be mobilized.
This is where Switzerland’s private sector partners make an extraordinary difference. Unrestricted support from companies, foundations and individuals gives us the flexibility to respond within hours, delivering life-saving aid to those most at risk. It allows us to meet the most urgent needs, even as situations shift and evolve.
This kind of trust-based partnership is not only efficient, it turns compassion into immediate impact.
And Switzerland has long been home to partners who understand like no one else the value of acting with both heart and urgency.
Switzerland, let’s write the next chapter – together
We are at a crossroads. As needs escalate and funding shrinks, we must ask: who will stand with refugees?
If you are part of a company that believes in purpose, a foundation that seeks transformative impact, or an individual who wants to make a difference, this is your moment.
Your support will help us continue protecting those forced to flee, not just with immediate aid, but by rebuilding futures. You will be part of a legacy that spans generations – and reaches the lives we can protect together moving ahead.
The time to act is now. Let us write the next chapter of Swiss solidarity together. Whether your contribution is big or small, it will save lives.
Join us. Be part of the change. Stand with refugees.
Contact Nicole Adler at Switzerland for UNHCR and let us turn compassion into action.
