The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document FSC.EMI/73/25 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 22 April 2025 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH only PERMANENT MISSION OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN
STÄNDIGE VERTRETUNG DES FÜRSTENTUMS LIECHTENSTEIN
NOTE VERBALE
The Permanent Mission of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe presents its compliments to the Delegations of all other participating States
and to the Conflict Prevention Centre and has the honour to provide, in reference to decision
FSC.DEC/10/02 of the Forum for Security Co-operation, the reply to the Information Exchange on the
Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, valid as of 22 April 2025.
The Permanent Mission of the Principality of Liechtenstein wishes to take this opportunity to renew
to the Delegations of all other participating States and to the Conflict Prevention Centre the
assurances of its highest consideration.
Vienna, 22 April 2025
To all Delegations/Permanent Missions of OSCE participating States and to the Conflict Prevention Centre OSCE
Vienna
Löwelstrasse 8/7 I 1010 Wien I Österreich I T +43 1 535 92 11 I F+43 1 535 92 114 I info@vie.llv.li QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE CODE OF CONDUCT ON POLITICO-MILITARY ASPECTS OF SECURITY1
PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN
Reporting Period 2024
April 2025
1 Participating States are encouraged to highlight major changes or updates in their replies to the questionnaire, as appropriate. Table of Contents
Section I: Inter-State elements .......................................................................................... 1 1. Account of measures to prevent and combat terrorism .............................................. 1 2. Stationing of armed forces on foreign territory ......................................................... 11 3. Implementation of other international commitments related to the Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................................ 11 1. National planning and decision-making process ........................................................ 13 2. Existing structures and processes ............................................................................... 13 3. Procedures related to different forces personnel ...................................................... 13 4. Implementation of other political norms, principles, decisions and international humanitarian law................................................................................................................. 14 Section III: Public access and contact information............................................................ 15 1. Public access................................................................................................................. 15 2. Contact information..................................................................................................... 15 Section IV: Voluntary additional Information on efforts undertaken to further implement UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace Security; WPS) ...................................................................... I Pillar 1: PREVENTION .............................................................................................................. I Pillar 2: PARTICIPATION........................................................................................................ III Pillar 3: PROTECTION ............................................................................................................ III Pillar 4: SUSTAINING PEACE ................................................................................................. IV Section V: Voluntary additional Information on Children and Armed Conflict ..................... I A. International legal framework and commitments ........................................................ I B. National Measures to end and prevent CAAC violations ............................................. II C. Education and training activities for troops on CAAC issues ....................................... II D. International partnerships ............................................................................................ II FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
Section I: Inter-State elements
1. Account of measures to prevent and combat terrorism
1.1 To which agreements and arrangements (universal, regional, subregional and bilateral) related to preventing and combating terrorism is your State a party? Relevant United Nations conventions Signed Ratified Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against 28/11/1994 Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents (New - (accession) York, 1973) International Convention against the Taking of Hostages (New York, 28/11/1994 - 1979) (accession) International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings 26/11/2002 - (New York, 1997) (accession) International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of 02/10/2001 09/07/2003 Terrorism (New York, 1999) International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear 16/09/2005 25/09/2009 Terrorism (New York, 2005) Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on 26/02/2001 - Board Aircraft (Tokyo, 1963) (accession) Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft (the 24/08/1971 23/02/2001 Hague, 1970) Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety 23/02/2001 - of Civil Aviation (Montreal, 1971) (accession) Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (Vienna, 13/01/1986 25/11/1986 1971) Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of - 13/10/2009 Nuclear Material (Vienna, 2005) Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation, Supplementary to the 26/02/2001 - Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety (accession) of Civil Aviation (Montreal, 1988) Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety 08/11/2002 - of Maritime Navigation (Rome, 1988) (accession) 2005 Protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful 28/08/2009 - Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (London, 2005) (accession) Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of 08/11/2002 - Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (Rome, 1988) (accession) 2005 Protocol to the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts 28/08/2009 against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental - (accession) Shelf (London, 2005) Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of 4/12/02 - Detection (Montreal, 1991) (accession)
Liechtenstein supports the work of the UN Security Council, in particular the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) and the Security Council Committee overseeing the sanctions measures concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities. -1- FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
Council of Europe
Relevant Council of Europe conventions Signed Ratified European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism (ETS 90) 22/01/1979 13/06/1979 Amending Protocol (ETS 190) 15/05/2003 08/02/2005 European Convention on Extradition (ETS 24) 28/10/1969 - (accession) First Additional Protocol (ETS 86) 17/11/2003 04/02/2004 Second Additional Protocol (ETS 98) - - European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters 28/10/1969 - (ETS 30) (accession) First Additional Protocol (ETS 99) - - Second Additional Protocol (ETS 182) - - European Convention on the Transfer of Proceedings in Criminal 20/10/1983 26/02/2003 Matters (ETS 73) European Convention on the Compensation of Victims of Violent 07/04/2005 17/12/2008 Crimes (ETS 116) Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of 29/06/1995 09/11/2000 the Proceeds from Crime (ETS 141) Convention on Cybercrime (ETS 185) 17/11/2008 27/01/2016 Additional Protocol concerning the criminalisation of acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer 17/11/2008 - systems (ETS 189) Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism 18/05/2016 22/11/2016 (ETS 196) Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and the on the 26/11/2018 - Financing of Terrorism (ETS 198)
Liechtenstein is a member of the Council of Europe Counter-Terrorism Committee (CDCT) and appreciates the contribution of the Council of Europe in the area of preventing and suppressing terrorism and terrorist financing on the basis of its commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and is fully committed to the ongoing work and mandate of the CDCT.
Egmont Group
The Liechtenstein Financial Intelligence Unit represents Liechtenstein in the Egmont Group, the international association of national financial intelligence units, and actively supports the Egmont Group with its expertise.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Liechtenstein is also a long standing and active member of the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (Moneyval).
-2- FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
Moneyval is one of the nine FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs) and established as a standing Committee under the auspices of the Council of Europe.
In 2021/22, Moneyval drew up another comprehensive assessment of Liechtenstein’s level of compliance with the international standards set by the FATF. This evaluation was carried out as part of the 5th round of evaluations conducted by Moneyval (equivalent to FATF’s 4th evaluation cycle).
The respective evaluation report has been published by MONEYVAL on 29 June 2022 2. The assessment ratings show that Liechtenstein has a broad and convergent understanding of its money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/TF) risks and that a strong supervisory approach is in place. Compared to countries that have been assessed globally so far Liechtenstein performed very well. Due to the positive report, Liechtenstein is subject to the regular Moneyval follow-up reporting process (as opposed to the enhanced follow-up reporting process) and is thus one of only few Moneyval member countries with this outcome so far.
Moneyval acknowledges the progress made by Liechtenstein and encourages the country to further strengthen measures to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. With regard to the laws, regulations and guidelines setting out the legal framework for the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism (“technical compliance”) Liechtenstein is rated as "compliant" or "largely com-pliant" for 37 of the 40 recommendations (no non-compliant rating).
As far as the effective implementation of the legal framework is concerned (“effectiveness”), Liechtenstein scored above average in five of the eleven subject areas examined (“11 Immediate Outcomes”). The other areas have been assessed as showing a moderate level of effectiveness, which corresponds to the average rating achieved by the vast majority of other countries assessed globally.
2 https://www.coe.int/en/web/moneyval/-/moneyval-acknowledges-liechtenstein-s-progress-in-improving- measures-to-combat-money-laundering-and-financing-of-terrorism -3- FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
Bilateral agreements
In the framework of strengthened regional cooperation to combat and prevent terrorist acts, Liechtenstein has concluded a new treaty with its neighbouring countries Switzerland and Austria which entered into force on 1 July 2017 (LGBl. 2017 Nr. 186). The objective of the treaty is to cooperate regarding mutual security interests, to further develop close cooperation among police and border police, and to counter transboundary threats and international crime effectively by means of a cooperative security system. The treaty has replaced a previous treaty from 2001 (LGBl. 2001 Nr. 122).
Based on the Customs Union Treaty, Liechtenstein and Switzerland concluded a bilateral Agreement on the Transboundary Movement of Firearms (LGBl. 2011 Nr. 571) in order to preserve the integrity of the Schengen Acquis. As a result, Liechtenstein respects the terms of Directive 2008/51/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 21 May 2008 amending Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons.
1.2 What national legislation has been adopted in your State to implement the above-mentioned agreements and arrangements?
In October 2003, the Liechtenstein Parliament adopted an Anti-Terrorism Package amending the Criminal Code (CC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) and the Due Diligence Act (DDA). In December 2008, the Liechtenstein Parliament passed legislation aimed at substantively implementing international standards in the fight against money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. The legislative package included in particular a comprehensive revision of the DDA, selected amendments to the CC and a new International Sanctions Act (ISA). The legislation entered into force in March 2009. Liechtenstein’s legal texts are available online.3
In April 2016, a further strengthening of the Criminal Code (CC) entered into force in relation to the fight against terrorism. New criminal offences were established including offences of certain acts that may lead to the commission of terrorist offences, namely public provocation, recruitment and training for terrorist purposes and incitement to terrorism. The maximum sanction for TF has been increased to 10 years imprisonment.
On 1 October 2019 another revision of the Criminal Code entered into force. The domestic jurisdiction of offences was extended. The offence of terrorism-financing was amended. The catalogue of offences has been extended: Traveling for terrorist purposes has been added.
In June 2017, the Liechtenstein parliament revised the ISA in order to fully implement the FATF’s recommendations on combating the financing of terrorism and to strengthen the legal protection of individuals affected by sanctions. The revision included the possibility to create own sanctions lists or to adopt other countries’ sanctions lists, and a reduction of the amount of time needed from a person’s listing by the UN Security Council to its implementation in Liechtenstein. UN sanctions relating to financing of terrorism are now
3 www.gesetze.li. English translations of some laws are available on http://www.regierung.li/law. -4- FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
implemented without delay. Another amendment of ISA has been adopted by Parliament in December 2019. It entered into force end of January 2020. With the amendment the enforcement of international sanctions will be strengthened by clearly defining the competencies and responsibilities of the supervision authorities leading to an effective and efficient supervision.
In June 2020, the Liechtenstein Government issued the Ordinance on Measures against Certain Persons and Organisations to Fight Terrorism (Terrorism Ordinance), which on the one hand implemented the EU terrorism sanctions and on the other hand laid the basis for domestic listings in relation to UNSC resolution 1373 (2001). The Ordinance defines the mechanism for identifying targets for designation and the listing and de-listing of persons and organisations.
In August 2021, the Liechtenstein Government issued amendments to the ordinances relevant for terrorism financing and proliferation financing4. With regard to the Terrorism Ordinance a new provision has been introduced concerning requests to foreign authorities for designation on or removal from foreign national lists. With regard to the UN sanctions the amendment introduces a new provision on designation on the UN sanctions list and removal from the list, clarifying that the Government decides on designation and de-listing proposals and that the relevant criteria and procedures have to be in line with the relevant resolutions and committee guidelines.
Also in August 2021, the Liechtenstein Government issued instructions on the procedure for requests for designation on a sanctions list or removal from a sanctions list5.
Individual terrorist acts
According to the CC, certain criminal acts are terrorist acts if they are able to produce profound or enduring disturbances of public life or to profoundly affect the economy, and if they are executed intentionally with the aim to frighten the population, to coerce public bodies or an international organisation or to seriously shock or destroy the political, constitutional, economic or social structure of a state or an international organisation. Among these criminal acts are homicide, intentional bodily harm, offences against personal liberty (such as extortionate kidnapping, coercion and dangerous threat), criminal offences against the public order (such as arson, creating an explosion and poisoning).6 These criminal offences are also sanctioned in case of attempt7 or complicity8. Any person providing a safe haven to terrorists is therefore also responsible for the crime committed insofar as providing a safe haven contributes to the commission of the crime. Sanctions for terrorist acts can go
4 Ordinance on Measures concerning Persons and Organisations with Connections to the Taliban; Ordinance on Measures concerning Persons and Organisations with Connections to the Groups “ISIL (Da’esh)” and “Al- Qaeda”; Ordinance on Measures concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran; Ordinance on Measures concerning the Democratic Republic of Korea and the Terrorism-Ordinance. 5 The instructions are publicly available in German and English on the homepage of the Financial Intelligence Unit. 6 Section 278c subsection 1 CC. 7 Section 15 CC. 8 Section 12 CC. -5- FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
up to one and a half times the maximum sentence for the criminal act as fixed by the CC.9 The financial support of terrorist acts is a criminal offence sanctioned with up to five years of prison.10
Terrorist organisations
The CC defines a terrorist organisation as a union of more than two people established for a certain length of time with the objective of one or several of its members to commit one or several terrorist acts. 11 The participation in and the financial support of a terrorist organisation are sanctioned with up to 10 years of imprisonment while the leading of a terrorist organisation is sanctioned with up to 15 years of imprisonment.12
Jurisdiction
As a basic principle, all criminal acts committed on Liechtenstein territory are punishable according to Liechtenstein law. In addition to this rule, domestic legislation applies to certain crimes committed abroad, regardless of the law of the place of commission13. With respect to terrorist acts and the leading of or participation in a terrorist organisation, criminal responsibility can be established if the crime itself is committed abroad, regardless of the laws of the place of commission, and if there is a domestic connecting factor as set out by law (e.g. if the perpetrator is a Liechtenstein citizen or resident or if the perpetrator is a foreign national staying in Liechtenstein who cannot be extradited). Similar provisions apply for the financing of terrorism.
Confiscation and forfeiture
Profits obtained from or for the commission of a criminal offence are to be confiscated by court under certain conditions. 14 Furthermore, property at the disposal of a terrorist association or property that has been provided or collected as a means of financing terrorism is to be declared forfeited under certain conditions, even if the property derives from an offence for which Liechtenstein jurisdiction does not apply if the offence is punishable under the law of the State where it was committed.15 Generally, forfeiture can apply to all property and items located in Liechtenstein.16
9 Section 278c subsection 2 CC. 10 Section 278d CC. 11 Section 278b subsection 3 CC. 12 Section 278b subsections 1 and 2 CC. 13 Section 64 subsection 1 CC provides the catalogue of such cases. 14 Sections 20 and 20a CC. 15 Sections 20b and 20c CC. 16 Section 65a CC. -6- FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
1.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces and the police in preventing and combating terrorism in your State?
The Principality of Liechtenstein does not maintain any military forces. Please refer to the note of the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the OSCE dated 26 November 1998 concerning the „NIL report on VD 94 Commitments“.
The national police force is the only armed authority in Liechtenstein and is competent for combating and prosecuting terrorist activities and groups. The criminal investigation division within the national police force is in charge of these tasks. The search for terrorists and terrorist groups as well as the enforcement of requests for mutual legal assistance is part of its mission. The deputy head of the criminal investigation division coordinates the cooperation with foreign countries in prosecuting terrorist activities.
1.4 Provide any additional relevant information on national efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, e.g., those pertaining inter alia to:
- Financing of terrorism
In addition to the provisions against the financing of terrorism, the CC criminalises money laundering in line with international standards and thoroughly implements the related international sanctions regimes. Liechtenstein’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) coordinates the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing domestically by chairing the inter- institutional AML/CFT working group. The FIU also implements the International Sanctions Act with regard to UNSCRs as well as sanctions/restrictive measures issued by the EU. It receives analyses and disseminates intelligence for the detection of cases of money laundering, predicate offences for money laundering, organised crime as well as the financing of terrorism and heads Liechtenstein`s delegation to Moneyval. Liechtenstein as an EEA member state is fully committed in transposing the EU-Money Laundering Directives. In preparation for the Moneyval assessment 2021/22, Liechtenstein has amended various existing acts with a view to implement all FATF requirements.
Since 1994, Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes all 27 Member States of the European Union as well as the three EEA/EFTA countries Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Due to its EEA membership, Liechtenstein is obliged to transpose all EU directives and EU regulations in the financial services sector into its domestic law. This also extends to the EU’s 4th and 5th anti money laundering (AML) and combating financing of terrorism (CFT) Directives.
The Financial Market Authority (FMA) is the independent, integrated financial market supervisory authority of the Principality of Liechtenstein and mandated to ensure the stability of the Liechtenstein financial market, the protection of clients, the prevention and prosecution of abuse, and the implementation of, and compliance with, recognized international standards.
The FMA is responsible for the prudential oversight of all Liechtenstein financial institutions and certain designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs). In addition, the -7- FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
FMA supervises the compliance with the requirements for combating money laundering and terrorist financing of all Liechtenstein financial institutions (including crypto asset service providers (CASPs), DNFBPs (except lawyers and law firms).
Non-profit sector charitable organizations that have received tax-exemption status must be registered with the Public Registry. In accordance with article 108 of the Law on Persons and Companies, all non-commercial organisations must have a director who is subject to the DDA. According to the new Liechtenstein Foundation Law, which entered into force in April 2009, charitable foundations are subject to mandatory and on-going supervision by the Foundation Supervision Authority and by an audit office established as an organ of such foundations. The use of charitable organizations for the financing of terrorism is criminalized in Liechtenstein, and the activities of charitable organizations are subject to oversight.
The International Sanctions Act, which entered into force in March 2009 and was revised in 2017 and 2020, brought the domestic legislation in line with the current realities of the prevailing international sanctions regimes (UN-sanctions and EU-sanctions or restrictive measures). The law improves the legal basis for co-operation with international organisations in the implementation of sanctions and for data protection, sets clear responsibilities for enforcement and increases the penalties for sanctions violations.
- Border controls
Liechtenstein and Switzerland form a Customs Union since 1923. On the basis of this treaty, there are no controls at the internal border between Liechtenstein and Switzerland, while the external borders of both countries are being controlled by Swiss authorities. Due to Liechtenstein’s accession to the Schengen System, Liechtenstein and Switzerland have been negotiating a new treaty regarding the legal mandate of the Swiss Border Guard on Liechtenstein territory beyond the past delegations on the basis of the 1923 Treaty on the Customs Union, in particular regarding the police powers of the Swiss Border Guard. This treaty was signed on 3 December 2008. It specifically allows the Liechtenstein Police to delegate to the Swiss Border Guards the authority to control cash couriers on Liechtenstein territory.
- Travel document security
Liechtenstein passports and identity documents fulfil all requirements concerning protection against forgery, data security, and international verifiability. Police cooperation in this area is ensured through close cooperation with the corresponding Swiss bodies (especially with the Conference of Cantonal Police Commanders KKPKS). Furthermore, there are numerous regional working groups with the police authorities of the neighbouring countries Austria, Germany, and Switzerland (e.g., Lake Constance Police Association, Police Concordat of Eastern Switzerland, Conference of the Police Presidents of the European Lake Constance Region). In addition, there is close contact with the Swiss police authorities and the Swiss justice department on both a personal and data system level.
-8- FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
Container and supply chain security
On 23 March 1923 Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein concluded a Customs Union Treaty under which the national territories of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein were brought together to form a common customs area. For this reason, a great number of Swiss laws are applicable in Liechtenstein. The information provided by Switzerland concerning container and supply chain security is therefore relevant for Liechtenstein as well.
- Security of radioactive sources
See above.
- Use of the Internet and other information networks for terrorist purposes
The Liechtenstein Police have a specially trained economic crime unit designed to combat all forms of financial crime, including terrorist financing, as well as a special IT Unit equipped to intercept internet communication.
- Legal co-operation including extradition
Liechtenstein considers international co-operation in the fight against terrorism as crucial. Therefore, Liechtenstein co-operates with other states both in the area of extradition and mutual legal assistance and within the framework of international organisations committed to the fight against terrorism, such as the United Nations, the OSCE, FATF and the Council of Europe.
Furthermore, Liechtenstein’s FIU is an active member of the Egmont Group, the worldwide association of national financial intelligence units, which supports and promotes the mutual exchange of information at the international level. As part of cooperation within the Egmont Group, the FIU concluded several bilateral Memoranda of Understanding and cooperation agreements.
The procedures for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and extradition are determined by the provisions of the Legal Assistance Act (LAA). The Ministry of Justice is the competent authority for the receipt and transmission of requests for legal assistance or extradition. The Ministry of Justice also decides about the prima facie admissibility of such requests.
If admissible, requests for legal assistance or extradition are transmitted to the Court of Justice. Decisions about legal assistance by the Court of Justice are subject to appeal both by the public prosecutor and by the person that is affected by the legal assistance demanded. Legal assistance may include the transfer of documents, items or information, citation before a foreign court and the transfer of imprisoned persons for evidence.17 With regard to
17 Sections 52 to 54a LAA. -9- FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
extradition, the person to be extradited has the right to demand a trial before the Appeals Court.18
The LLA’s provisions are subsidiary to the several bilateral and multilateral treaties that include provisions on legal assistance and extradition and to which Liechtenstein is a State Party.
In general, according to the LLA, any terrorist activities as criminalised by the Liechtenstein Criminal Code (CC) are subject to legal assistance and extradition. Liechtenstein citizens may refuse extradition unless, for example, co-operation with the International Criminal Court is concerned.19 In the case where a person suspected of a terrorist activity is not extradited, the person can be prosecuted under domestic jurisdiction.
- Safe havens and shelter to terrorists and terrorist organizations
Providing safe haven to terrorists and their supporters is specifically and fully criminalized in Liechtenstein, albeit without the use of the phrase “providing safe haven”. Under the Liechtenstein Criminal Code, not only the principal perpetrator of a crime, but any person that “contributes” to the commission of a crime bears criminal responsibility (article 12 Criminal Code).18 With respect to terrorist offences, such criminal responsibility is also established in cases where the crime itself takes place in another country (article 64 paragraph 1 Criminal Code), irrespective of the laws of that country. Any person providing safe haven to terrorists would therefore be equally responsible for the crime committed insofar as providing safe haven contributes to the commission of the crime.
The small size of the country (160 km2; population 40’500) turns out to be an advantage with regard to refugee questions and therefore also with regard to relevant aspects of counter-terrorism: It is difficult to be present in the country without the knowledge of the authorities. An important point in ensuring that asylum seekers are not involved in terrorist activities is the precise determination of the person’s identity and previous place of residence. According to article 36 of the Asylum Law, a foreign person is not granted asylum if there are reasons for exclusion from refugee status. In particular, refugee status is not granted if:
• there are substantive grounds to suspect that the asylum seeker represents a serious threat to the security of the country; • an asylum seeker has been convicted in a final judgement of a serious crime after his/her arrival in Liechtenstein; • there are serious grounds to suspect that the asylum seeker has committed a crime against peace, a war crime or a crime against humanity according to International Law; • the asylum seeker has committed a serious crime of common law outside the host country before the person submitted the asylum application;
18 Section 33 LAA. 19 As determined in the Law on the Co-operation with the International Criminal Court and Other International Courts. - 10 - FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
• the asylum seeker is responsible for acts against the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 40 of the Asylum Law provides inter alia that the Government shall revoke asylum or refugee status if:
• a refugee obtained asylum or refugee status through false testimony or through concealing essential facts; • there is serious grounds to suspect that the refugee constitutes a serious danger to the security of Liechtenstein; • the refugee constitutes a danger to the Liechtenstein society because he/she has been convicted in a final judgement of a serious crime.
2. Stationing of armed forces on foreign territory
2.1 Provide information on stationing of your States armed forces on the territory of other participating States in accordance with freely negotiated agreements as well as in accordance with international law.
The Principality of Liechtenstein does not maintain any military forces. Please refer to the note of the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the OSCE dated 26 November 1998 concerning the „NIL report on VD 94 Commitments“.
3. Implementation of other international commitments related to the Code of Conduct
3.1 Provide information on how your State ensures that commitments in the field of arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building as an element of indivisible security are implemented in good faith.
Liechtenstein has always supported the international efforts in the fields of disarmament and non-proliferation and is convinced that the existing regime of multilateral treaties must constitute the basis for work in the area of non-proliferation. Full implementation, universal acceptance and, where necessary strengthening of the existing instruments, in particular in the field of verification and monitoring are indispensable elements to enhance international peace and security.
Liechtenstein is a State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological Weapons (BWC). In the field of conventional weapons, Liechtenstein is a State Party to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW) and to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). Liechtenstein further supports the full implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons. It has ratified the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in
- 11 - FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
3.2 Provide information on how your State pursues arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building measures with a view to enhancing security and stability in the OSCE area.
In addition to the explanation given in I. 3.1, within the context of the OSCE, Liechtenstein supports the work to update the confidence- and security- building measures and financially contributes to a number of OSCE extra budgetary projects.
- 12 - FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
Section II: Intra-State elements
1. National planning and decision-making process
1.1 What is the national planning and decision-making process in determining/approving military posture and defence expenditures in your State?
See Section I. 2.1
1.2 How does your State ensure that its military capabilities take into account the legitimate security concerns of other States as well as the need to contribute to international security and stability?
See Section I. 2.1
2. Existing structures and processes
2.1 What are the constitutionally established procedures for ensuring democratic political control of military, paramilitary and internal security forces, intelligence services and the police?
The national police force is the only armed authority in Liechtenstein. Control over the police is exercised, according to article 93 lit. a of the Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein, through the Government. Article 93 of the Liechtenstein Constitution reads: „The following matters fall particularly within the sphere of action of the government: a) Surveillance of all authorities and officials placed under the Government, and the exercise of disciplinary powers in respect of officials.” Articles 8 and 9 of the Law on the Police (Polizeigesetz, LGBl, 1989 No. 48) of 21 June 1989 support article 93 of the Constitution.
2.2 How is the fulfilment of these procedures ensured, and which constitutionally established authorities/institutions are responsible for exercising these procedures?
See Section II. 2.1
2.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces, and how does your State control that such forces act solely within the constitutional framework?
Liechtenstein has no military, paramilitary or internal security forces.
3. Procedures related to different forces personnel
3.1 What kind of procedures for recruitment and call-up of personnel for service in your military, paramilitary and internal security forces does your State have?
Liechtenstein has no military, paramilitary or internal security forces. - 13 - FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
3.2 What kind of exemptions or alternatives to military service does your State have?
See Section I. 2.1
3.3 What are the legal and administrative procedures to protect the rights of all forces personnel as well as conscripts?
See Section I. 2.1
4. Implementation of other political norms, principles, decisions and international humanitarian law
4.1 How does your State ensure that International Humanitarian Law and Law of War are made widely available, e.g., through military training programmes and regulations?
See Section I. 2.1
4.2 What has been done to ensure that armed forces personnel are aware of being individually accountable under national and international law for their actions?
See Section I. 2.1
4.3 How does your State ensure that armed forces are not used to limit the peaceful and lawful exercise of human and civil rights by persons as individuals or as representatives of groups nor to deprive them of national, religious, cultural, linguistic or ethnic identity?
See Section I. 2.1
4.4 What has been done to provide for the individual service member’s exercise of his or her civil rights and how does your State ensure that the country’s armed forces are politically neutral?
See Section I. 2.1
4.5 How does your State ensure that its defence policy and doctrine are consistent with international law?
See Section I. 2.1
- 14 - FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex
Section III: Public access and contact information
1. Public access
1.1 How is the public informed about the provisions of the Code of Conduct?
See Section I. 2.1
1.2 What additional information related to the Code of Conduct, e.g., replies to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct, is made publicly available in your State?
See Section I. 2.1
1.3 How does your State ensure public access to information related to your State’s armed forces?
See Section I. 2.1
2. Contact information
2.1 Provide information on the national point of contact for the implementation of the Code of Conduct.
Andreas Foser Office for Foreign Affairs Giessenstrasse 3 9490 Vaduz Liechtenstein
Tel. +423 236 74 18 e-mail: andreas.foser@llv.li
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ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION FSC.DEC/5/11 13 July 2011 Annex
Section IV: Voluntary additional Information on efforts undertaken to further implement UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace Security; WPS)
Liechtenstein supports the expansion of the scope of the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, by introducing the Indicative List of Issues Pertaining to Women, Peace and Security (FSC.DEC/5/11) and encourages all participating States to use this updated Indicative List of Questions for future responses to the Questionnaire.
Pillar 1: PREVENTION
A. Checklist of key commitments taken by participating States
Party by: Law and date ratification of ratification, P(R), accession accession, P(a), succession succession, Name of the treaty P(s), acceptance, or acceptance approval P(A), approval P(AA), or Not party
Universal legal instruments 1. Protocol Supplementary to the United Nations LGBl. 2008 Nr. Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime 74 P(R) to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Ratification, 20 Persons, Especially Women and Children (2000) February 2008 2. United Nations Convention on All Forms of LGBl. 1996 Nr. Discrimination Against Women (1979) 164 P(a) Accession, 22 December 1995 The Council of Europe legal instruments 3. European Convention Against Trafficking in Human LGBl. 2016 Nr. Beings (2005) CETS No: 197 68 P(R) Ratification, 27 January 2016 4. European Convention on Preventing and LGBl. 2021 Nr. Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic 242 Violence (2011) CETS No: 210 P(R) Ratification, 17 June 2021
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Other arrangements Yes No
5. National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 - No 6. National legislation to implement the UN CEDAW convention (if a party), with particular reference to combating discrimination in employment, - No education, access to health services and participation in institutions ensuring democratic oversight and public scrutiny of the security sector. 7. Other related information, clarification or details to With regard to Question 6. share: Liechtenstein does not maintain military, paramilitary of internal security forces. Therefore, Liechtenstein is of the understanding that Question 6 does not apply. Irrespective of the aforementioned, Liechtenstein did implement the obligations of UN CEDAW and CETS in its Law on Equality between Women and Men of 10 March 1999 (LGBl. 1999 Nr. 96). Since 16 June 1992, the Liechtenstein constitution grants equal rights for women and men (Art. 31 para 2 of the Liechtenstein constitution, LGBl. 1992 Nr.81). For additional information on Liechtenstein engagement with regard to WPS, see Pillar 3 Part B Question 2.2.
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B. Checklist of key measures taken by participating States Please indicate if your State has the following preventative measures in place. More detailed information of the preventative measure can be included in Part B below.
Liechtenstein does not maintain any military, paramilitary or internal security forces. Therefore, Liechtenstein is of the understanding that Questions 4 to 11 do not apply.
Type of Measure Yes No
Mechanism to assess risk of abuse of small arms to commit or facilitate serious 1. - X acts of gender-based violence and violence against women and children Inclusion of women’s organisations and women in religious, ethnic minority or community groups in measures 2. - to counter and prevent terrorism and violent extremism X - - to raise awareness of the potential risks of exploitation and radicalization20 Inclusion of gender perspective and special needs of women and girls in a 3. - X national counter-terrorism strategy21
C. More detailed information for sharing good practice between participating States
Liechtenstein does not have a National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325. Therefore, Liechtenstein is of the understanding that the Questions of Section C do not apply.
Pillar 2: PARTICIPATION
A. Checklist of key measures taken by participating States
Liechtenstein does not maintain any military, paramilitary or internal security forces. Therefore, Liechtenstein is of the understanding that Sections A and B do not apply.
Pillar 3: PROTECTION
Liechtenstein does not maintain any military, paramilitary or internal security forces. Therefore, Liechtenstein is of the understanding that Sections A and B do not apply.
20 See also similar question 3a in form to input to UN SG UNSCR 1325 report. 21 See also similar question 3a in form to input to UN SG UNSCR 1325 report. - III - FSC.DEC/5/11 13 July 2011 Annex
Pillar 4: SUSTAINING PEACE
A. Checklist of key measures taken by participating States
Liechtenstein does not maintain any military, paramilitary or internal security forces. Therefore, Liechtenstein is of the understanding that Section A does not apply.
B. More detailed information for sharing good practice between participating States
Liechtenstein does not maintain any military, paramilitary or internal security forces. Therefore, Liechtenstein is of the understanding that Question 1 and 2.1 do not apply.
2.2 Would you like to share any additional information, clarification or details?
As a long-standing supporter of the UN Security Council’s agendas on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), and in connection with Liechtenstein’s commitment against sexual and gender-based violence, Liechtenstein focuses on the tabooed, but widespread problem of sexual violence against men and boys in conflict situations. In this regard, Liechtenstein is a steadfast supporter of the All Survivors’ Project (ASP), the first international human rights NGO based in Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein regularly highlights this problem in statements in the UN Security Council, in the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, in the Human Rights Council in Geneva and in other informal meetings.
Liechtenstein has also been supporting the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue’s (HD) efforts to strengthen the inclusion of women in peace processes since 2009. With financial support of Liechtenstein HD focusses on the promotion of inclusive peace-making. HD works on the inclusion of women in many situations of conflict and crisis. HD’s team of inclusion advisors aim to promote the effective participation of women and civil society in peace dialogues and processes.
On the initiative of Liechtenstein, the General Assembly created an innovative mechanism to facilitate and enable criminal prosecutions at the national, regional, or international level: the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 (the Syria Mechanism or IIIM). The IIIM has the mandate to collect, consolidate, preserve and analyze evidence of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses and prepare files in order to facilitate and expedite fair and independent criminal proceedings, in accordance with relevant standards of international law. The IIIM‘s governing documents express a firm commitment to effectively address sexual and gender-based violence. In this regard, the IIIM ensures that its staff’s expertise on sexual and gender-based violence is at the core of its work. With accountability for sexual and gender-based violence being a priority of the Mechanism, it also contributes to the protection and recovery pillars of the WPS Agenda.
In order to fight modern slavery and human trafficking, which disproportionately affects women and girls, and in response to the call in Security Council Resolution 2331(2016) to - IV - FSC.DEC/5/11 13 July 2011 Annex
engage all relevant stakeholders in the fight against illicit financial flows stemming from human trafficking, Liechtenstein has initiated the “Liechtenstein Initiative”. The focus of the initiative is on the role of financial institutions and on how their expertise can be put to good and productive use. As a result, Liechtenstein set up the Financial Sector Commission which produced a Blueprint for Action with the acronym “FAST” for Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking. FAST offers a comprehensive toolkit for financial institutions – in the areas of compliance, responsible investment and financial innovation. The Blueprint sets out 30 different actions for potential implementation. After a successful cooperation with the Center for Policy Research of the United Nations University, FAST has found a new implementing partner in the UN Development Programme since July 2024.
Liechtenstein is a longstanding supporter of the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). In 2022 Liechtenstein continued to contribute financially to DCAF’s gender and security section that advances gender equality in the security sector around the world. Gender equality is a DCAF guiding principle reflected in the Centre’s policy and research but also in the means and goals of all operational activities. Through a combination of research, development of knowledge products and operational experience, DCAF has stayed at the forefront of knowledge in gender and security sector governance and reform. As part of Liechtenstein’s long-held engagement to uphold and strengthen International Humanitarian Law, moreover, Liechtenstein currently cooperates with DCAF on a project to advance WPS and Gender perspectives in IHL, including by establishment of an IHL ‘Community of Practice’ for WPS as well as the elaboration of a repository of model language and good practices for militaries and policymakers. The project has been launched in 2024 and will continue until the end of 2026.
Previously, Liechtenstein funded a research project to investigate the effects of women’s participation in armed forces on the respect for International Humanitarian Law together with the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.
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Section V: Voluntary additional Information on Children and Armed Conflict
Liechtenstein supports the expansion of the scope of the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, by introducing the Indicative List of Issues Pertaining to Children and Armed Conflict (FSC.DEL/421/23) and encourages all participating States to use this Indicative List of Questions for future responses to the Questionnaire.
A. International legal framework and commitments
1. Please indicate if your State is a party to or has endorsed the following international legal instruments or voluntary commitments. Please also kindly elaborate in case of any reservations or interpretative statements.
Reservations/ Relevant international legal frameworks and commitments Yes No Interpretative Statements Convention on the Rights of the Child X - X22 Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on X - - the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on X - X23 the involvement of children in armed conflict Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on X - X24 a communication procedure ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour - X - Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production X - - and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction Safe Schools Declaration X - - Paris Principles and Guidelines on Children Associated with Armed - X -
22 On 1 October 2009, the Government of Liechtenstein informed the Secretary-General that it had decided to withdraw the declaration concerning article 1 and the reservation concerning article 7 made upon ratification to the Convention. The text of the declaration withdrawn reads as follows: “According to the legislation of the Principality of Liechtenstein children come of age with 20 years. However, the Liechtenstein law provides for the possibility to prolong or to shorten the duration of minority.” The text of the reservation withdrawn reads as follows: “The Principality of Liechtenstein reserves the right to apply the Liechtenstein legislation according to which Liechtenstein nationality is granted under certain conditions.” 23 Declaration: "The Principality of Liechtenstein declares that, with respect to the Principality of Liechtenstein, articles 1 and 2 as well as article 3, in particular paragraph 2, of the Optional Protocol of 25 May 2000 to the Convention on the Rights of the Child of 20 November 1989 on the involvement of children in armed conflict have to be understood in light of the fact that the Principality of Liechtenstein has no national armed forces and that hence no legislation on a minimum age for the recruitment of persons into the armed forces and for taking part in hostilities exists. The Principality of Liechtenstein regards the ratification of the Optional Protocol as part of its continuing commitment to the protection of the rights of children and at the same time as an act of its solidarity with the objectives of the said Protocol." 24 Declaration: "According to article 12 of the Optional Protocol from 19 December 2011 to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure, the Principality of Liechtenstein declares that it recognises the competence of the Committee on the Rights of the Child to receive and consider communications in which a State party claims that the Principality of Liechtenstein does not fulfil its obligations under any of the following instruments: the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, or the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography." -I- FSC.DEL/421/23 16 November 2023
Forces or Armed Groups Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the X - - Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers Political Declaration on EWIPA (Explosive Weapons in Populated X - - Areas)
B. National Measures to end and prevent CAAC violations
Liechtenstein does not maintain any military, paramilitary or internal security forces. Therefore, Liechtenstein is of the understanding that Section B does not apply.
C. Education and training activities for troops on CAAC issues
Liechtenstein does not maintain any military, paramilitary or internal security forces. Therefore, Liechtenstein is of the understanding that Section C does not apply.
D. International partnerships
1. In case of collaboration and training programmes of your State with other States, to what extent are issues related to children and armed conflict addressed and included in such programmes, in particular for those countries that are mentioned in the UN Secretary General annual report on children and armed conflict?
No relevant programmes to report.
2. Does your State support capacity-building initiatives in the security and other sectors of other States, in particular those in conflict or post-conflict situations, which include the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect of international humanitarian law? If yes, to what extent are issues related to children and armed conflict addressed in these initiatives?
In 2024, Liechtenstein provided about 47’500 USD (50’000 CHF) to the Programme “Better Protecting Children Affected by Armed Conflict”, financed through the Trust Fund for the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. In this programme, the CAAC special envoy draws on the support of UN field missions to draw up action plans with conflict parties to prevent the six worst violations of children’s rights, as defined by the UN Security Council. In addition, the mandate supports country-specific monitoring and reporting working groups to improve the quality of data on the six violations. This work forms the basis for sound prevention and response strategies. In view of the expiry or downsizing of important UN peacekeeping missions in regions, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Mali and Sudan, this work is of particular relevance.
3. Please add any relevant information or comments with the view of sharing/identifying best practices.
No additional information available.
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