Confederation adopts arms control and disarmament measures

At a meeting on February 2, the Federal Council adopted a catalog of measures on arms control and disarmament. As far as nuclear arsenals are concerned, Switzerland is committed to complete disarmament. However, the road to this goal is still long. In concrete terms, the focus is on a package of measures submitted to the UN together with 25 other states.

Avoidance of arms trafficking, autonomous weapons systems and chemical weapons

For example, the use of dangerous chemicals that affect the central nervous system remains prohibited in national law enforcement. Here, Switzerland has been strongly involved with its own services in a laboratory in Spiez, whereupon a large majority in The Hague agreed to a decision by Australia, the USA to ban the use of such weapons in their countries. As the Federal Council writes, Switzerland wants to contribute to a reduction of armed violence.

The arms trade should also remain responsible. According to the Federal Council, autonomous weapons systems harbor not only opportunities for security but also risks for humanity and could destabilize core values and norms. Here, Switzerland wants to advocate an agreement to ensure human control so that weapons that do not conform to the law are prevented.

In cyberspace and outer space, the Federal Council wants to take a stronger position and question "entrenched processes" in order to participate in important discussions that regulate norms in the use of new technologies in conflicts, such as autonomous or lethal weapons systems.

Source: Federal Council