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Statement on behalf of civil society

Annual meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People convened by Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People in accordance with United Nations General Assembly resolution 32/40 United Nations Office at Vienna, 29 November 2024

Text of speech of Dr. Hans Köchler, President of the International Progress Organization, Vienna

At a special meeting on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, chaired by Vasco M. Samupofu, Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia, representatives of UN Member States, of the League of Arab States and other international organizations delivered statements in support of a just settlement of the Palestine problem on the basis of a two-state solution.

“Deep State”, China and the big war

John Mearsheimer and Jeffrey Sachs on American foreign policy

Discussion at the “All-in Summit 2024” at the Columbia University between John Mearsheimer* and Jeffrey Sachs**

(13 December 2024) (CH-S) How do two of the most renowned US intellectuals view their own foreign policy? The following abridged discussion provides a deep insight into this, which should be taken note of urgently in Europe.

‘It’s most important not to stand idly by’

Conscientious objector in Israel

by Oren Ziv*

(6 December 2024) (Ed.) After 7 October, many Israelis have given up hope of a political solution. There is an unprecedented desire for revenge in broad sections of society. Only a few have the courage to stand up to the social pressure. One of them is Sofia Orr, who refuses to do military service in the Israeli army out of political conviction.

The German government in the network of digital health transformers

Whose interests are served by our health policy?

by Norbert Häring,* Germany

(6 December 2024) (CH-S) How far does the influence of pharmaceutical/IT companies extend into political decisions in the healthcare sector? Norbert Häring traces clandestine conditions in Germany. Is the health of citizens being subordinated to the business of an international health industry? Can conclusions be drawn for Switzerland? The dispute between two IT companies over the equipping of Swiss hospitals with IT software worth hundreds of millions lets us prick our ears and take notice. Are our health insurance contributions and tax millions being spent sensibly, and who is profiting from them? It is worth taking a look at Germany.

“Cooperation and development”

China – Switzerland’s third largest trading partner

Interview with Consul General Chen Yun*

(6 December 2024) (CH-S) “Swiss Standpoint” had the opportunity to ask the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Ms Chen Yun, about relations between Switzerland and China. The occasion was an invitation to the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in September.

Switzerland was one of the first countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China after its founding and has sought to maintain good relations ever since. The free trade agreement between the two countries, which has been in force since 2014, is a milestone in this regard. Especially in geopolitically challenging times, it is important to maintain a broad network of positive relationships.
International Health Regulations

Amendment or rejection

WHO regulations are designed to protect us – but do we want them?

by Dr. med. Sabine Vuilleumier-Koch

(29 November 2024) (CH-S) In May 2022, the WHO’s “World Health Assembly” (WHA) decided to adapt – or “strengthen” – the WHOs “International Health Regulations” (IHR). The reasoning attracted attention: The “corona pandemic” had revealed weaknesses in international “cooperation”, gaps that now had to be closed. Immediately, broad resistance formed. While the Federal Council and the “Federal Office of Public Health” (FOPH) see no problem in the amendments to the IHR adopted by the WHA on 1 June 2024, a strong opposition is calling for an “opting out”, a rejection of the amendments. The decision must be taken by 19 July 2025 at the latest.