As long as the red button exists, there is no security
The initiative to ban nuclear weapons was launched at the beginning of July: it calls for Switzerland's long-overdue accession to the UN treaty banning nuclear weapons. terre des hommes schweiz supports this cause: Switzerland must recommit to its humanitarian tradition!
Nuclear weapons are one of the greatest threats of our time. For some years now, more money has been flowing into nuclear armaments worldwide and the number of deployable nuclear explosive devices has been increasing. Never since the end of the Cold War has the danger of nuclear escalation been as great as it is today. An arms race and deterrence through nuclear weapons do not create security.
For years, the Federal Council has refused to accede to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), even though the National Council and Council of States had spoken out in favor of this in 2019. A broad alliance of political parties and civil society organizations has therefore called on the Nuclear weapons ban initiative launched. It is calling for Switzerland to accede to the TPNW Treaty - a step that is long overdue.
Why we supported the popular initiative
terre des hommes schweiz has been working for many years in the field of peace culture, both in international programs and in Switzerland. We are committed to a Holistic understanding of security . Because our work shows that security cannot be achieved through armed force, armament and deterrence.
Especially in the current public debate, which is dominated by proponents of rearmament, there is a greater need than ever for a broad discussion about Switzerland's options for action for a peaceful world:
- Strengthening development cooperation: It makes an important contribution to security and stability worldwide. By taking preventive action, development cooperation supports the resilience of societies before crises arise.
- Promote international disarmament efforts: Joining the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is an important step towards achieving sustainable security and peace. It is the most important nuclear disarmament treaty of our time!
The fact that the Federal Council has been delaying this accession for years damages Switzerland's credibility as a role model for peace policy and contradicts its humanitarian tradition. The popular initiative creates an important momentum for a balanced public debate and a differentiated understanding of security policy. Awareness of the importance of international humanitarian law must be raised again.
Signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons would be an important opportunity to consolidate Switzerland's position as a neutral but active and responsible member of the international community.
Help to finally get the Federal Council to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons:
What is the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons?
The United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) aims to outlaw nuclear weapons worldwide and achieve their complete disarmament. The treaty prohibits the development, production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons and calls for the elimination of existing arsenals. In addition, the treaty contains several provisions to support victims of nuclear weapons use and testing.
Currently, 93 states have signed the treaty. Switzerland has also approved the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the UN and even played a key role in its drafting. Signature is still pending.
