Swiss Response to the Crisis in Georgia

Swiss Cooperation Office South Caucasus
Embassy of Switzerland

Press Release

Tbilisi, 20 August 2008 – In response to the current humanitarian crisis in Georgia the government of Switzerland has allocated an additional CHF 250’000 for immediate emergency measures and CHF 500’000 for early recovery measures. The emergency measures include the assistance of approximately 3000 persons who fled the recent military confrontation and found shelter in Tbilisi by provision of mattresses, pillows and bed linen. This activity is coordinated with the Georgian Ministry of Refugees and Accommodations and UNHCR. In addition, Switzerland seconds three short-term experts to key UN organisations engaged in emergency relief. A water and sanitation expert has been seconded to UNICEF, which is the lead organisation for support of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the field of water and hygiene. Two experts are seconded to UNHCR to coordinate and implement protection and shelter measures to the benefit of IDPs from central Georgia, Western Georgia and South-Ossetia. The early recovery activities will be identified as soon as relief organisations have access to the zones of conflict.

Swiss emergency assistance is coordinated by the Swiss Cooperation Office South Caucasus, which is part of the Embassy of Switzerland. Activities are planned and conducted in close cooperation with the authorities of Georgia and the international humanitarian organisations. Emergency and recovery measures are part of Switzerland’s commitment under the recently launched consolidated UN Flash Appeal for the current Georgia crisis.

Contact: 
Swiss Cooperation Office South Caucasus
Derek Mueller, Regional Director. Telephone 25 36 82
Ernesto Morosin, Deputy Regional Director. Telephone 22 37 21