News overview Security Policy

The east of the DRC is the epicentre of the security crisis in the Great Lakes region. Interview with Laura Reymond-Joubin, human security adviser for the DRC.

Climate change is aggravating the risk of conflict in Africa. Switzerland is therefore participating in an African Union conference on addressing climate impacts.

Switzerland is hosting the second Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building, which brings together stakeholders from the cybersecurity sector.

Switzerland had a seat on the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024. Its priorities were peace, climate security and the protection of civilians.

In December 2024, the UN General Assembly will decide whether to adopt the new convention against cybercrime. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) led the Swiss delegation in the negotiations on the convention.

FDFA news ticker on the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, which Switzerland organised on 15 and 16 June 2024 at the Bürgenstock.

What international treaties exist for nuclear disarmament and what is Switzerland's position? Facts, figures and answers.

The consequences of climate change, for example on the food security of societies, can exacerbate conflicts. Switzerland is committed.

The Montreux Document originated 15 years ago on the initiative of Switzerland and the ICRC. It regulates the activities of private military and security companies.

The FDFA and the DDPS are launching the new 2023–2026 Action Plan on Mine Action.

Switzerland's 2022 annual report on mine action (FDFA, DDPS)

The Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is focusing on its approach to Russia, says Ambassador Raphael Nägeli.

The civilian population in cities suffers greatly from the use of explosive weapons such as bombs. Switzerland calls for a better protection of civilians through a political declaration.

Switzerland will lead the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) for one year, with Swiss diplomat Benno Laggner acting as chair.

In view of the slow pace of nuclear disarmament, Ignazio Cassis calls for concrete measures at the Review Conference or the Treaty on the Nonprolifaration of Nuclear Weaponsin New York.

Das VBS und das EFD überprüfen die Strukturen für die interdepartementale Koordination in den Bereichen Sicherheit und Cyberrisiken.

The International Criminal Court is investigating indications of war crimes in Butcha and other places in Ukraine.

Switzerland is committed to the peaceful, secure, sustainable use of outer space.

Why Switzerland has not signed the nuclear weapons ban treaty.

The Arms Control and Disarmament Strategy aims to promote peace and security – a key priority in light of current tensions in Europe and Asia.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis presented Switzerland's new action plan for 2022–25 for the OSCE in Vienna on Thursday 13 January.

Switzerland presides over the Second Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Victims speak out.

Switzerland is committed to combating the proliferation of cluster munitions and promotes the universalisation of the Convention.

Ambassador Simon Geissbühler, Head of the Peace and Human Rights Division, recently returned from Libya. We talked with him about the situation in the country.

Civilians pay a high price in armed conflicts. In the context of a UN Security Council debate, Switzerland is working towards their protection and towards compliance with international humanitarian law.

Switzerland seeks to maintain its privileged position alongside some of the world's most competitive actors in the cyberspace.

Switzerland is one of the ten largest donors to humanitarian demining efforts worldwide.

Thomas Greminger appointed head of Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

Switzerland shares the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. Though it has not yet ratified the UN's Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, its policy is still strongly oriented in this direction.

How can digital technologies become more secure and cyberspace more peaceful? At the Geneva Dialogue, leading companies agree on a common approach.

Geneva security centres mark anniversaries – with events and best wishes from Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. Their commitment to peace remains relevant.

A study by the University of Oxford highlights Switzerland's strengths in cybersecurity and suggests 53 ways it can improve.

What role could Switzerland play in the UN Security Council? That of “a lubricant between world powers", says Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in an interview with the "Tages-Anzeiger".

The OSCE candidacy procedure for the appointment of the Secretary General ended at midnight on 18 September 2020. The FDFA, in consultation with Thomas Greminger, has decided not to submit a new candidature.

Ambassador Corinne Cicéron Bühler, Director of the Directorate of International Law, explains why the work of the ICC is important – and not just for people in war-torn areas.

The Federal Council approves the 2019 foreign policy report which prioritises EU relations, global partners, peace and security, and sustainable development. It takes a positive view of implementation of the foreign policy strategy in 2019.

The Federal Council approves the 2019 foreign policy report which prioritises EU relations, global partners, peace and security, and sustainable development. It takes a positive view of implementation of the foreign policy strategy in 2019.