Geneva rallies to support Ukraine

Geneva has reasserted its commitment to peace as well as its support for and solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian population. In particular, it has decided to grant emergency aid to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Citizens of Geneva wishing to play their part can contact several organisations. 

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manifestation avec personnes et pancartes aux couleurs de l'Ukraine

Information for refugees arriving in Switzerland

Protective status S for Ukrainians

The Federal Council has decided to grant status “S” to people forced to leave Ukraine due to the war, provided that they have not already obtained protective status in another country of the European Union. Effective since 12 March 2022, this special protective status in particular provides immediate and complete access to the labour market and school system. More detailed information is available on the Swiss Confederation website: Ukraine: the Federal Council activates protective status S for Ukrainians

Federal asylum centers

Anyone who cannot immediately find accommodation with relatives, friends or acquaintances should report to a federal asylum centre. Initial assistance and care will be provided here.

In Western Switzerland, the closest centre is in Boudry:

Boudry federal asylum centre 
Rue de l’Hôpital 60
2017 Boudry
Tel. +41 58 465 03 03
Hotline +41 58 465 03 03

More information is available on the website of the OSAR – Swiss Refugee Council:

Важлива інформація для всіх біженців, які прибули до Швейцарії з України: українські біженці, які прибувають до Швейцарії, i не мають особистих зв'язків у Швейцарії, можуть звернутися до одного з федеральних центрів з надання притулку. Там є адреси приймаючих сімей. Запити також можна надсилати електронною поштою на адресу ukraine@sem.admin.ch, а також за телефоном +41 58 465 99 11 (з 10:00 до 12:00 та з 14:00 до 16:00).
Важная информация для всех прибывших в Швейцарию из Украины беженцев: Прибывающие в Швейцарию украинские беженцы, которые не имеют личных связей в Швейцарии, должны обратиться в один из шести федеральных центров временного размещения, где можно найти адреса принимающих семей. Запросы также можно направлять по электронной почте ukraine@sem.admin.ch, а также по телефону +41 58 465 99 11 (с 10:00 до 12:00 и с 14:00 до 16:00).

Protection

The Conference for the Protection of Minors and Adults (COPMA) has created an information sheet concerning the children of Ukraine in need of protection. This sheet contains:

  • general standards for child protection;
  • information concerning the admission procedure;
  • information concerning legal representation;
  • information relating to the accommodation and supervision of children arriving from Ukraine.

The Protect yourself! campaign run by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) contains information, including in Ukrainian, designed to make people looking for protection aware of the wide-ranging dangers of abuse, in particular drawing attention to the consultation centres for victim support.

Health and medical care in Switzerland

Information concerning health and medical care in Switzerland for refugees from Ukraine can be found on the website of the Swiss Red Cross. Available in Russian, Ukrainian, English, French, German and Italian, this information relates to health and accident insurance and includes brochures, leaflets and films on all health-related topics.

Welcome to Geneva!

The Solidarité Ukraine - Bienvenue à Genève website brings together basic information in French and Ukrainian for your integration in Geneva.

Helping as a private individual

Ukraine Solidarity Line – 022 420 59 00

The Ukraine Solidarity line (022 420 59 00) is operational since Wednesday 9 March. Intended for the population of Geneva who wishes to make a donation in cash or in goods, to offer accommodation or to become a volunteer, the line provides information on the various needs that emerge and structures the spontaneous aid proposals emanating from the population. It also gives general information on how welcoming refugees, whether it concerns medical consultations, schooling or the care of children, etc. Managed by Hospice Général, the line is open 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All this information is also available on the website solidariteukraine.ch

Make a donation to "La Chaîne du Bonheur"

In light of the magnitude of the looming humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, La Chaîne du Bonheur - Swiss Solidarity is calling on the Swiss population to show their solidarity. The donations it collects are put toward quality humanitarian and social projects run by its partner organisations.

Financial assistance of the City of Geneva

Emergency aid provided by the City of Geneva to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

The Executive Council has granted emergency aid of CHF 100,000 to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, through the intermediary of the ICRC. This support will enable the ICRC to continue its work of:

  • repairing vital infrastructures,
  • supplying health centres with medicine and equipment,
  • supporting families by providing food and hygiene products.

ICRC staff, and in particular healthcare professionals and weapon contamination specialists, have arrived on site to support the local rescue teams.

Donation of CHF 500,000.- to "La Chaîne du Bonheur"

The Municipal Council has voted to open an additional budgetary credit of CHF 500,000 intended as a donation to the “Ukraine” project of la Chaîne du Bonheur. These sums will serve to fund projects implemented by partners who are present in the field, including Caritas Suisse, the Swiss Red Cross, HEKS/EPER, Helvetas, Medair, Médecins sans frontières, Swiss Save the Children, Solidar Suisse, the Terre des hommes Foundation and the Village d’enfants Pestalozzi Foundation.

Information on civil protection

Due to the war in Ukraine, the Federal Office of Civil Protection (FOCP) as well as the cantonal and municipal authorities are faced with numerous enquiries from citizens. Current information about civil protection can be found on the website of the Swiss Confederation: War in Ukraine

Currently, the population is not required to take any special measures.

Other useful resources

Tackle the topic of war with the children

Consequences of the conflict on the economic and financial center of Geneva

Article modifié le 21.09.2022 à 11:33