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.
In a joint letter to the Security Policy Commission of the Council of States, 13 Swiss arms companies called for a relaxation of export regulations. During an official meeting of the Council they were given the opportunity to explain that in future they would like to export war material to countries at war. Already now, arms are exported to countries involved in armed conflicts that do not take place on their own territory. A further relaxation of the export regulations would be disastrous. For this reason, terre des hommes schweiz and 24 other organisations are supporting a letter from the Group Switzerland without Army (GSoA) to the Security Policy Commission of the Council of States, which is the first to decide on the matter. The letter calls on the Commission not to comply with the wishes of the armaments companies.
Brazil - drastically increased murder rate
In December last year, the federal armaments company Ruag announced its intention to build a munitions factory in Brazil. Ruag hopes to break the monopoly of the Brazilian munitions manufacturer CBC. These are frightening developments for both Brazil and Switzerland. The number of murders in Brazil has increased dramatically over the last 10 years, with 48 per cent of the victims being between 15 and 29 years old. 72 percent of those murdered were shot dead. There are numerous studies that prove that more available weapons also mean more deaths. For example, many murders occur with firearms in the heat of the moment, for example during arguments in a bar. As more and more weapons are in circulation in Brazil, the price of weapons on the black market has fallen, which means that more and more petty criminals have access to them.
Swiss reputation is at stake
Switzerland is proud of its reputation as a neutral partner and peace mediator. If it relaxes the regulations governing the export of war material and if the state arms company expands internationally, it risks jeopardizing this good reputation. terre des hommes schweiz and 24 other organizations are addressing an open letter to the Council of States.
