Swiss Stories

ICRC headquarters in Geneva

70 años Convenios de Ginebra

History
Los Convenios de Ginebra, ratificados universalmente, representan un compromiso único con una humanidad común y constituyen la piedra angular del derecho internacional humanitario. En las últimas siete décadas han salvado millones de vidas en cientos de conflictos alrededor del mundo.
Paul Klee mit der Katze Fripouille, Possenhofen, 1921, Fotograf: Felix Klee, Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern, Schenkung Familie Klee, © Klee-Nachlassverwaltung, Hinterkappelen

El universo de imágenes de Paul Klee y su obra en Berna

History
Conocido por sus imágenes mágicas y sus mundos oníricos, Paul Klee fue un pintor de renombre mundial y uno de los artistas más importantes del siglo XX. Fue miembro del movimiento “Der Blaue Reiter” y más tarde enseñó en la Bauhaus de Weimar y Dessau. Aunque Klee pasó más de la mitad de su vida en Berna y a menudo se le conoce como un artista suizo, pero eso no es del todo cierto: en realidad fue ciudadano alemán toda su vida.
Barbara Piatti

by Barbara Piatti

Joseph Favre

Joseph Favre, pionero suizo de la excelencia culinaria

History
El chef y escritor culinario suizo Joseph Favre ocupó finalmente el lugar que merecía en la historia de la gastronomía casi un siglo después de morir sin el reconocimiento del gran público.

by Prof. Albert Mudry

'SCT Monte Rosa'

The Swiss merchant navy

History
The Swiss merchant navy was established at the height of the Second War World to ensure the supply of essential resources to Switzerland, which at the time stood alone in the middle of devastated Europe. The fleet continues to sail the high seas three quarters of a century later.

by Olivier Grivat

Wild hay © Luzern Tourismus

Wild hay making – a fascinating Swiss tradition

History
In my family archives, I have come across a black and white reel dating back to the 1960s. The film documents my ancestors on a late summer day as they collect fresh hay off their pasture in the Rhine Valley. At one point, an elderly farmer loads a huge ball of hay onto a sledge in order to haul it to the valley. These scenes got me thinking: what is the tradition of alpine hay making all about, and is it still being practiced in this day and age?
Dimitri Burkhard

by Dimitri Burkhard

West of Juba, camp of Dulamaya. A distribution of seeds and tools kits is about to start. Displaced families are starting to gather close to an ICRC vehicule.

The Geneva Conventions: 70 years old and as relevant as ever

History
Switzerland has long been famous for its chocolate, watches and idyllic landscapes – and also for its humanitarian tradition. A signal example was its key role in the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, which are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. Since their adoption in 1949, the Conventions have saved countless lives in armed conflicts, but ensuring compliance with them remains a complex and long-term undertaking. Two Swiss Humanitarian Aid specialists share their insights from the field.
Swiss cuckoo Loetscher

A little birdie from Switzerland?

History
"Watch the birdie." This phrase once used by photographers to capture the attention of their subjects could just as easily apply to cuckoo clocks. Who among us has never heard the call of a cuckoo mark the passing of another hour? The cuckoo clock has a history dating back centuries that first began in the Black Forest area of Germany, but which was eventually to take flight in Switzerland. Let's shed some light on this funny little bird that conquered the world!

by Dimitri Kas