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Switzerland

Ranking: 10

Score: 4.68

Detailed information

Switzerland, in tenth place in the overall Index, is seen much more positively in the humanitarian field than its hard data bear out. Across the five pillars, Switzerland’s performance is fairly consistent, ranging from eighth place in pillar two to 14th place in pillar four.

Switzerland undoubtedly has a number of strengths, possibly gained by its long experience in the humanitarian enterprise. For example, it is clear that, within the first pillar, the field takes the view that Switzerland is very much living up to its humanitarian tradition by being faithful to the basic principles of alleviation of suffering, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Its impartiality is granted further credence by high rankings in the hard data indicators on the distribution of funding relative to historical ties or geographic proximity and to forgotten emergencies. It is also perceived to provide timely funding, although this is certainly not borne out by the two hard data indicators on timely funding to complex emergencies and to onset disasters. Moreover, the needs-based orientation of its funding is further thrown into doubt by poor rankings for funding to priority sectors identified within the CAPs and relative to ECHO's Vulnerability Index.

In the second pillar on integrating relief and development, Switzerland’s perceived ability to strengthen resilience to cope with crises and its funding to capacity building suggest that it has had some success in reaching out to local communities. An excellent ranking for promoting NGOs within pillar 3 further supports this notion. In this pillar, Switzerland also stands out for its support to UNDAC and, as expected, takes first place in its funding of ICRC Appeals in its true humanitarian tradition.