Today, Switzerland has clear rules to prevent exported weapons from reaching war zones or states with severe human rights violations. A key instrument is the Non-Reexport Declaration. This obligates purchasing countries not to pass on Swiss weapons to third countries without Switzerland’s consent.
With the revision passed by parliament in the winter session of 2025, this protective mechanism will be decisively weakened. In the future, the re-export of Swiss weapons will be generally permitted. Although the Federal Council retains a veto right, it does not replace mandatory legal control.
'The revision significantly increases the risk of Swiss weapons indirectly ending up in civil wars or with rogue regimes,' says Monika Maire-Hefti, President of Caritas Switzerland. 'This means that Switzerland is placing the protection of civilians behind the economic interests of the arms industry.'
Protection of civilians is central
The number of armed conflicts worldwide is at a historic high. The civilian population is particularly affected: people lose their lives, are displaced, or suffer from the destruction of vital infrastructure such as water, electricity, and health services. As a humanitarian organization, Caritas experiences the consequences of violence and war daily in its work in crisis and conflict areas.
'Each additional weapon increases the danger to civilians,' emphasizes Caritas President Monika Maire-Hefti. 'Preventing the export of weapons to conflict regions is an important contribution to protecting human lives.' Additionally, the revision poses a threat to Switzerland's international credibility regarding dialogue and peace promotion.
Press Contact:
Niels Jost, Media Spokesperson Caritas Switzerland
medien@caritas.ch
076 233 45 04