Countering terrorism
Terrorism constitutes a threat to all free and pluralistic societies and to the rights of each individual. Switzerland is actively involved in all efforts to counter terrorism and advocates respect for international law.
Even if there is no internationally accepted standard definition of terrorism, there appears to form widespread consensus concerning what a terrorist act actually is, namely a deliberate assault on civilians or civilian property with the aim of intimidating ordinary people or pressurising a state or international organisation into acting in a certain way or refraining from action.
A current threat
Whatever its origin or the form it takes, terrorism is a crime for which there is absolutely no justification or excuse. It is not only a threat to all free and pluralistic societies but also to the rights of each individual. As the September 11 attacks in the US in 2001 have shown, international terrorism has recently taken on a new dimension. The urgency and intensity of the terrorist threat suddenly became evident for all to see, and states were made aware of just how important counter-terrorism and international cooperation in this field are.
Switzerland’s commitment to counter terrorism and to respect for international law
Switzerland is actively involved in all efforts under way to fight terrorism. As one of the world’s most important financial centres, it has been campaigning for more effective regulations to put a stop to both the financing of terrorist activity and money laundering. Switzerland is an active member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
As grave as the terrorist threat is, it is important to remember that human rights remain inalienable, and that the fight against terrorism must always be fought with the means used to combat all forms of crime in accordance with the rule of law. International humanitarian law must be applied in all situations of armed conflict and without exception by all parties to armed conflict and by private individuals too. Switzerland is committed to upholding these principles and to ensuring that international law is applied more rigorously.
Switzerland is particularly committed to the ongoing improvement of the procedural rights of persons affected by UN counter-terrorism sanctions and, together with like-minded states, regularly submits proposals to the Security Council on strengthening human rights in the context of UN sanctions. It also welcomes the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson, which receives requests from individuals seeking to be removed from the sanctions list. The Ombudsperson makes recommendations to the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee in this regard. Switzerland believes that this will ensure that the rights of individuals are better taken into account at the international level and strengthen the legitimacy of the UN sanctions system.
Topics
International legal bases for combating terrorism
There are limits to what states can do to combat terrorism: they must respect and uphold human rights and international law.
Global Counterterrorism Forum
The Global Counterterrorism Forum is an important player impulsing the development of policies, concepts and recommendations in counterterrorism.
Combating the funding of terrorism
In order to combat terrorism, its financial foundations must be undermined. Switzerland is working to this end in bodies such as CTAG, CTC and FATF/GAFI.