In Switzerland's view, it is hard to see how nuclear weapons could be used in accordance with international humanitarian law. Switzerland is engaged in numerous agreements and negotiations for a world without nuclear weapons. The mainstay of this disarmament policy is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction which have catastrophic humanitarian consequences. It is thus hard for Switzerland to see how nuclear weapons could be used in accordance with international humanitarian law. A war with nuclear weapons has no winners, as the humanitarian, ecological, economic and social consequences do not stop at national borders.
A strong commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation is therefore an integral part of Swiss foreign and security policy. Switzerland calls for the full implementation of existing treaties and agreements and makes the reduction of nuclear weapons risks a priority.
The main focus of Swiss policy is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Its further universalisation as well as additional international agreements on disarmament and non-proliferation are necessary in order to one day achieve the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
A key priority is also the negotiation of a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT) to limit and gradually minimise the amount of fissile material available for nuclear weapons worldwide.
And last but not least, Switzerland actively participated in the negotiations on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in 2017. Switzerland's position on the TPNW will be reviewed as part of the follow-up to the 10th NPT Review Conference.
Last update 05.08.2022
