Media release - There is always the risk that war material from Swiss production is used in human rights violations in other countries. For example in Brazil, where arms and police violence in the slums are on the increase. terre des hommes switzerland demands stronger democratic control of Swiss arms exports on the occasion of the latest SECO figures on war material exports. The development organization, which campaigns for the
We are very pleased that the National Council has accepted the initiative "Stop administrative detention for children! Many thanks to all National Councillors who voted in favor of the bill! With this vote, the National Council underlines the commitment of the Confederation to respect children's rights. The motion of the Canton of Geneva demands from the legislator the prohibition of the so-called administrative detention at the
Five years ago, Switzerland adopted the UN 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Poverty in all its forms and dimensions is to be eradicated by 2030. All countries are challenged! But in Switzerland, a strategy for their implementation is missing so far. In an appeal to the Federal Council, the Agenda Platform calls for
On 29 November, a vote will finally be taken on the corporate responsibility initiative. terre des hommes schweiz has been committed to it from the outset. The initiative demands that it goes without saying that Swiss companies that disregard human rights and destroy the environment should take responsibility for this. The petition for a referendum enjoys broad support among the population and the business community and is also supported by representatives of all parties. It must, however, stand up to financially powerful opponents who are resorting to sometimes dubious means for their anti-campaign.
The latest SECO figures on war material exports show Despite the Corona crisis, the export business of the Swiss arms industry is flourishing. To ensure effective control of arms exports, terre des hommes schweiz is participating in the alliance of the corrective initiative and is taking a clear stand on the Federal Council's indirect counter-proposal.
Even in corona times, the National Council does not want to expand Switzerland's international commitment. Several motions from the Foreign Policy and Finance Committees have called for an increase in the framework credits for international cooperation 2021-2024. The Council rejected them all.
After three years of parliamentary back-and-forth, it is now clear that since the National Council and the Council of States have been unable to agree on a viable counter-proposal, the corporate responsibility initiative will be put to the ballot box. Swiss voters are expected to be able to vote in November in favour of making Swiss companies accountable for violating human rights and destroying the environment.
The corona crisis is plunging many developing countries into emergency situations. Swiss banks have a responsibility as major creditors of these countries. Together with 10 other Swiss organisations, we are calling on the Swiss government to convene a round table to negotiate the modalities of debt relief.
On 9 and 10 June, the National Council will discuss the new CO2 Act, which is intended to set the course of Swiss climate policy for the coming years. Climate change is destroying the development prospects of millions of young people worldwide. We urgently need measures to avert the climate catastrophe and ensure climate justice. This is what we are calling for together with the Swiss Climate Alliance.
The Covid 19 pandemic is having a major impact on the state of the poorest countries. Their health systems are collapsing, millions of people are unemployed and the pandemic has not yet reached its peak. That is why terre des hommes switzerland, together with other Alliance Sud organizations, is demanding more support for international cooperation from the Federal Council and the Federal Assembly. What is needed now is a
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