The Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Secretariat (“Secretariat”), a joint mechanism of Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, funds multiple non-governmental organizations (NGOs) active in demonization campaigns against Israel, including BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions). Some NGOs have promoted antisemitic rhetoric and have apparent links to terrorist organizations.

On December 12, 2013, Switzerland designated CHF 3 million to the Secretariat. Since November 17, 2016, NGO Monitor has noted a number of alterations in the amount and grant period of this funding (see screenshots below):

  • November 17, 2016: Increase to CHF 3.6 million for the period of July 15, 2014 – June 30, 2017.
  • December 29, 2016: Increase to CHF 3.8 million for the period of July 15, 2013 – June 30, 2017.
  • January 24, 2017: Increase to CHF 5.1 million for the period of July 15, 2013 – June 30, 2018.

However, it appears that the last increase and extension may have been rescinded. NGO Monitor published a report on the developments at 18:30 (GMT +2) on January 25, 2017. By 10:00 on January 26, the Swiss government’s funding page had been reverted to reflect the previous amount and date.

Changes to Switzerland’s “Program contribution to Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law Secretariat in oPt”:

December 12, 2013

Photo of Financial Contract by Swiss Development and Cooperation for Secretariat signed December 12, 2013

 

 

 

 

November 17, 2016

Screenshot of Swiss Development and Cooperation website “Program contribution to Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law Secretariat in oPt.” November 17, 2016,. https://www.fdfa.admin.ch/deza/en/home/countries/besetztes-palaestinensisches-gebiet.html/content/projects/SDC/en/2005/7F04397/phase4?oldPagePath=/content/deza/en/home/laender/besetztes-palaestinensisches-gebiet.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 December 19, 2016

Screenshot of Swiss Development and Cooperation website “Program contribution to Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law Secretariat in oPt.” December 19, 2016, https://www.fdfa.admin.ch/deza/en/home/countries/besetztes-palaestinensisches-gebiet.html/content/projects/SDC/en/2005/7F04397/phase4?oldPagePath=/content/deza/en/home/laender/besetztes-palaestinensisches-gebiet.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 24, 2017

Screenshot of Swiss Development and Cooperation website “Program contribution to Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law Secretariat in oPt.” January 24, 2017, https://www.fdfa.admin.ch/deza/en/home/countries/besetztes-palaestinensisches-gebiet.html/content/projects/SDC/en/2005/7F04397/phase4?oldPagePath=/content/deza/en/home/laender/besetztes-palaestinensisches-gebiet.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 26, 2017

Screenshot of Swiss Development and Cooperation website “Program contribution to Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law Secretariat in oPt.” January 26, 2017, https://www.fdfa.admin.ch/deza/en/home/countries/besetztes-palaestinensisches-gebiet.html/content/projects/SDC/en/2005/7F04397/phase4?oldPagePath=/content/deza/en/home/laender/besetztes-palaestinensisches-gebiet.html