If the Federal Council has its way, Swiss weapons should fire even more bullets. Otherwise, his decision from the summer to deliver to civil war countries is incomprehensible. The Federal Government is bowing to the interests of the Swiss arms industry. The decision was taken without a prior democratic vote in parliament or among the electorate. This must change.
Vociferous demonstrators are gathering in Western Sahara to protest against the two Swiss companies ABB and LafargeHolcim. From the point of view of the local Sahrawi people, the companies are violating international law because they are doing business in the occupied part of Western Sahara. Western Sahara has been occupied by Morocco for 43 years.
Anti-economic and unrealistic - this is how some opponents view the Concert Responsibility Initiative. However, many entrepreneurs see this differently. Samuel Schweizer, for example, who successfully runs a family business in the metal construction sector. For him, the initiative creates justice between responsible and irresponsible companies. "Swiss Made" would no longer only stand for high quality, but also for high responsibility.
There are increasing signs that the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is planning to reduce its involvement in Latin America or even cancel it altogether. As one of 24 organizations, terre des hommes schweiz is calling on the Federal Council to renounce this step. Decades of successful reconstruction work are thus being put at risk.
An open letter to Federal Councillor Cassis and the entire Federal Council (slightly edited version)
A new report by 40 civil society organisations takes a critical look at the implementation of sustainability goals in Switzerland. It is intended as a counter-report to Switzerland's official statement before the UN. In it, the Terre des Hommes organisations in Switzerland call for better protection of migrant children and young people.
With the World Cup in Russia, the next major sporting event is just around the corner. Once the first game is kicked off, it is easy to forget that these events can have a serious, negative impact on the local population. A high-profile panel discussion will highlight what the real problems are and look for possible solutions. We would be delighted to meet you on 7 June in the Neubad!
What applies in our project countries is also valid for Switzerland: restricted access to weapons means fewer deaths and victims. Our many years of experience in the prevention of violence is the reason why terre des hommes schweiz now also supports the newly founded platform for a sustainable weapons law. Its aim is to create a high standard of weapons law throughout Europe and ultimately to save human lives.
Never before have so many people worldwide been on the run from war and violence. Often it is the most affected who have no possibility to reach a safe country. The isolation of Europe further exacerbates the situation of these people. This is why we support the petition "For safe and legal escape routes to Switzerland".
At the beginning of November 2017, it became known that Swiss arms companies also intend to export to countries at war in the future. This would require a relaxation of the export ordinances. terre des hommes schweiz, together with 24 organisations, therefore supports a letter from the Group Switzerland without Army (GSoA) to the Security Policy Commission. At the same time, the state armaments company Ruag is planning to build an ammunition factory in Brazil.
Developed societies around the world are characterized by diversity of opinion and free access to high-quality information. The No Billag initiative in Switzerland puts both at risk. Alliance Sud, the think and do tank of Swiss development organisations, therefore recommends that the referendum be rejected.
A press release from Alliance Sud
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