Response by the Delegation of Switzerland to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security

The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document FSC.EMI/50/25 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 15 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  Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS

Swiss Armed Forces Armed Forces Staff AFS

Information Exchange on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security

FSC.DEC 2/09 1 April 2009

(Substantial updates of information relating to the Annual Exchange 2024 are in bold and italics)

Switzerland 15 April 2025 Switzerland Information Exchange on the Code of Conduct 2025

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QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE CODE OF CONDUCT ON POLITICO- MILITARY ASPECTS OF SECURITY

Section I: Inter-State elements 1. Account of measures to prevent and combat terrorism

1.1 To which agreements and arrangements (universal, regional, sub regional and bilateral) related to preventing and combating terrorism is your State a party?

United Nations

1. Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft signed in Tokyo on 14 September 1963. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 31 October 1969, was ratified on 21 December 1970 and entered into force for Switzerland on 21 March 1971 (SR 0.748.710.11).

2. Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft signed in The Hague on 16 December 1970. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 16 December 1970, was ratified on 14 September 1971 and entered into force for Switzerland on 14 October 1971 (SR 0.748.710.2).

3. Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation signed in Montreal on 23 September 1971. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 23 September 1971, was ratified on 17 January 1978 and entered into force for Switzerland on 16 February 1978 (SR 0.748.710.3).

4. Convention on the Prevention, Prosecution, and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on 14 December 1973. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 5 March 1985 and entered into force for Switzerland on 4 April 1985 (SR 0.351.5).

5. International Convention against the Taking of Hostages, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on 17 December 1979. This international convention was signed by Switzerland on 18 July 1980, was ratified on 5 March 1985 and entered into force for Switzerland on 4 April 1985 (SR 0.351.4).

6. Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, signed in Vienna on 3 March 1980. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 3 March 1980, was ratified on 9 January 1987 and entered into force for Switzerland on 8 February 1987 (SR 0.732.031).

7. Amendments to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, signed in Vienna on 8 July 2005. The amendments were ratified by Switzerland on 15 October 2008.

8. Protocol on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation, supplementary to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, signed in Montreal on 24 February 1988. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 24 February 1988, was ratified on 9 October 1990 and entered into force for Switzerland on 8 November 1990 (SR 0.748.710.31).

1 SR = Classified Compilation of Federal Legislation, https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/bundesrecht/systematische-

sammlung.html

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9. Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, held in Rome on 10 March 1988. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 10 March 1988, was ratified on 12 March 1993 and entered into force for Switzerland on 10 June 1993 (SR 0.747.71).

10. Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, written in Rome on 10 March 1988. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 10 March 1988, was ratified on 12 March 1993 and entered into force for Switzerland on 10 June 1993 (SR 0.747.711).

11. Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection, signed in Montreal on 1 March 1991. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 1 March 1991, was ratified on 3 April 1995 and entered into force for Switzerland on 21 June 1998 (SR 0.748.710.4).

12. International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on 15 December 1997. This international convention was signed by Switzerland on 12 January 1998, was ratified on 23 September 2003 and entered into force for Switzerland on 23 October 2003 (SR 0.353.21).

13. International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on 9 December 1999. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 13 June 2001, was ratified on 23 September 2003 and entered into force for Switzerland on 23 October 2003 (SR 0.353.22).

14. Protocol to the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, done on 14 October 2005 in London, ratified on 15 October 2008 (SR 0.747.711.1).

15. International Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism, adopted by the General Assembly on 13 April 2005, the signature of which was pledged by the OSCE in the Ministerial Statement on the International Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism of 20 June 2005 (MC.DOC/1/05). This convention entered into force for Switzerland on 14 November 2008 (SR 0.353.23).

16. Protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation. This Protocol was ratified on 15 October 2008 and entered into force on 28 July 2010 (SR 0.747.712).

17. UN Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition (Firearms Protocol), supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), adopted by the General Assembly in 2001. It entered into force for Switzerland on 27 December 2012 (SR 0.311.544).

18. The Arms Trade Treaty, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on 2 April 2013. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 3 June 2013, was ratified on 30 January 2015 and entered into force for Switzerland on 30 April 2015 (SR 0.518.61).

Council of Europe

1. European Convention on Extradition, opened for signature in Paris on 13 December 1957. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 29 November 1965, was ratified on 20 December 1966 and entered into force for Switzerland on 20 March 1967 (SR 0.353.1).

2. Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Extradition, opened for signature in Strasbourg

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on 15 October 1975. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 17 November 1981, was ratified on 11 March 1985 and entered into force for Switzerland on 9 June 1985 (SR 0.353.11).

3. Second Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Extradition, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 17 March 1978. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 17 November 1981, ratified on 11 March 1985 and entered into force for Switzerland on 9 June 1985 (SR 0.353.12).

4. Third Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Extradition, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 10 November 2010. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 23 October 2014, ratified on 15 July 2016 and entered into force for Switzerland on 1 November 2016 (SR 0.353.13).

5. Fourth Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Extradition, opened for signature in Vienna on 20 September 2012. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 23 October 2014, ratified on 15 July 2016 and entered into force for Switzerland on 1 November 2016 (SR 0.353.14).

6. European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 20 April 1959. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 29 November 1965, was ratified on 20 December 1966 and entered into force for Switzerland on 20 March 1967 (SR 0.351.1).

7. Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 17 March 1978. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 17 November 1981 but was not ratified because of Parliament’s reservations concerning judicial assistance in fiscal matters. For further information see the related Federal Council report (BBI 1983 IV 121).

8. Second Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 8 November 2001. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 15 February 2002, was ratified on 4 October 2004 and entered into force for Switzerland on 1 February 2005 (SR 0.351.12).

9. European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 27 January 1977. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 27 January 1977, was ratified on 19 May 1983 and entered into force for Switzerland on 20 August 1983 (SR 0.353.3).

10. Protocol Amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 15 May 2003. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 15 May 2003 and was ratified by Switzerland on 7 September 2006 (not yet entered into force).

11. Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 21 March 1983. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 21 March 1983, was ratified on 15 January 1988 and entered into force for Switzerland on 1 May 1988 (SR 0.343).

12. Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 18 December 1997. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 9 July 2001, was ratified on 18 June 2004 and entered into force for Switzerland on 1 October 2004 (SR 0.343.1).

13. Protocol amending the Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 22 December 2017. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 22 December 2017, was ratified on 22 November 2019 (not yet entered into force).

14. Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 8 November 1990. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 28 August 1991, was ratified on 11 May 1993 and entered into force for Switzerland on 1 September 1993 (SR

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0.311.53).

15. Criminal Law Convention on Corruption, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 27 January 1999. Switzerland signed the Convention on 26 February 2001 and ratified the instrument on 31 March 2006. It entered into force for Switzerland on 1 July 2006 (SR 0.311.55).

16. Additional Protocol to the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption, entered into force on 1 February 2005. The protocol was signed by Switzerland on 3 June 2004 and was ratified on 31 March 2006. It entered into force for Switzerland on 1 July 2006 (SR 0.311.551).

17. Convention on Cybercrime, opened for signature in Budapest on 23 November 2001. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 23 November 2001. The Convention entered into force for Switzerland on 1 January 2012 (SR 0.311.43).

18. Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime, Concerning the Criminalisation of Acts of a Racist and Xenophobic Nature Committed through Computer Systems, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 28 January 2003. This protocol was signed by Switzerland on 9 October 2003 but has not been ratified to date.

19. Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, opened for signature in Warsaw on 16 may 2015. This convention was signed by Switzerland on 8 September 2008 and ratified on 17 December 2012. It entered in to force for Switzerland on 1 April 2013 (SR 0.311.543).

20. European Convention on the Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 24 November 1983 It was signed by Switzerland on 15 May 1990, ratified on 7 September 1992 and entered into force for Switzerland on 1 January 1993 (SR 0.312.5).

21. Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, opened for signature in Warsaw on 16 May 2005. Switzerland signed the Convention on 11 September 2012 and ratified it on 25 March 2021. It entered into force for Switzerland on 1 July 2021 (SR 0.311.61).

22. Protocol amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, opened for signature in Strasbourg on 15 May 2003. Switzerland signed the Protocol on 15 May 2003 and ratified it on 07 September 2006 (not yet entered into force).

23. Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, opened for signature in Riga on 22 October 2015. Switzerland signed the Additional Protocol on 22 October 2015 and ratified it on 25 March 2021. It entered into force for Switzerland on 1 July 2021 (SR 0.311.611).

Bilateral agreements

Switzerland concluded bilateral agreements on police cooperation with all its adjacent states as well as with Albania, North-Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Kosovo, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Latvia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Switzerland concluded memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the following states: On September 12, 1994, Switzerland signed a MoU with the Russian Federation regarding, among other matters, combating crimes against life and limb, illegal weapons and explosives trade and falsified travel documents. On July 13, 2012 Switzerland signed a MoU with Türkiye, establishing a joint operational police working group for combating transnational crime, especially terrorism. On December 12, 2012, Switzerland and the USA signed the MoU for the Exchange of Information on Individuals Connected to Activities Related to Terrorism (Homeland Security Presidential Directive [HSPD-6]) and the Agreement on Enhancing Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Serious Crime (PCSC). The PCSC Agreement has not yet come

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into force. In order to improve cooperation between Swiss and US law enforcement authorities in investigating terrorist attacks, the Federal Council concluded in 2006 an agreement on the employment of joint investigation teams in the fight against terrorism and its financing. Switzerland and Thailand signed a MoU on 8 March 2016 to step up the fight against cross-border crime. Under the agreement, they agree to pursue common goals and provide mutual support in ongoing investigations.

On June 27, 2019, Switzerland and the European Union signed the agreement on the application of certain provisions of Council Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime, and the annex thereto, and of Council Framework Decision 2009/905/JHA on the accreditation of forensic service providers carrying out laboratory activities (Prüm participation agreement). On the same date, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the European Union signed a Protocol to the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Switzerland regarding the access to Eurodac for law enforcement purposes (Protocol Eurodac). The Prüm cooperation agreement was ratified on December 12, 2022 and entered into force on March 1, 2023. The Protocol Eurodac was ratified on April 28, 2022 and entered into force on May 1, 2022.

Multilateral initiatives (global)

Switzerland considers that international security cannot be ensured sustainably, unless states strengthen their cooperation with a view to eradicating poverty, preventing and resolving conflicts and effectively promoting human rights and the rule of law. Dialogue and mutual understanding between cultures and religions will inevitably help to prevent conflicts and terrorist acts.

In the context of the United Nations, Switzerland systematically implements the decisions of the UN Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State (IS), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities (“the Sanctions Committee”) and supplies financial intermediaries with the lists of names of individuals or organisations provided by other countries. Switzerland is convinced that targeted sanctions are an important tool in maintaining peace and security. Targeted sanctions must be consistent with fundamental due process rights should there be any guarantee that they will be fully implemented by the Member States of the United Nations. They must also be consistent with the humanitarian exemption established by UNSCR Resolution 2664 (2022) whose application to the 1267 sanctions regime was indefinitely prolonged by UNSC Resolution 2761 (2024).

Switzerland actively contributed to the elaboration and negotiation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) which the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted on April 2, 2013. The ATT deals with the issue of terrorism as one of the elements which must be evaluated as part of the risk assessment of the exporting State before deciding whether or not to authorise an export of conventional arms or of items covered by the treaty. It came into force for Switzerland on April 30, 2015.

Switzerland's national and international action is also guided by the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy (adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006). It is essential for Switzerland that counterterrorism efforts and policies are carried out within the framework of international law and particularly of international human rights law, maintaining a balanced approach between prevention and repression. Moreover, in the context of armed conflict, all parties and individuals must apply international humanitarian law in all circumstances. Humanitarian engagements, as foreseen by IHL, are not to be impeded by counter-terrorism measures; Switzerland introduced respective safeguarding clauses in its criminal code.

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Switzerland further welcomes the Plan of Action on the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) of the UN Secretary General, especially the emphasis on the 1st and 4th pillar of the UN Global CT Strategy: This will allow a full and balanced implementation of the Strategy, underlining the necessity to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law in measures to prevent violent extremism. In its effort to implement the UN PVE Plan of Action, Switzerland has also adopted a Foreign Affairs PVE Plan of Action (2016); as part of this, Switzerland supports the creation of a Civil Society Organisations Unit by the Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and participates in UN and other global organisations to improve the PVE. It also undertakes regular action with a variety of partners, in particular in North Africa, West and Central Africa, and the Middle East. Part of these activities focus specifically on the role of defence and security forces in the prevention of violent extremism.

Switzerland is a founding member of the Global Counter-terrorism Forum (GCTF). The Forum has demonstrated some very valuable action-oriented capabilities and has become a global player in the fight against terrorism. Many political instruments have been adopted within the framework of the GCTF2 and Switzerland has actively supported the activities and the development of the GCTF. Since 2014, Switzerland hosts the Global Fund for Community Engagement and Resilience (GCERF) in Geneva, born from a GCTF initiative. Switzerland supports also the activities of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law.

To be noted that Switzerland has responded to the CT evaluation of UN CTED in May 2024 (“e-DIS” = Electronic Detailed Implementation Survey and “OIA” = Overview Implementation Assessment).

Multilateral initiatives (regional)

Switzerland is actively participating in the Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT) of the Council of Europe, and participates in many Working or Expert Groups of the Committee. Switzerland updated its country profile on national counter-terrorism capacity in 20213.

Furthermore, Switzerland is actively engaged in the assistant mechanism of the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and the OSCE Document on Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition (SCA), in particular by providing expert advice as well as financial and material contribution in capacity building programmes and to disarmament projects to OSCE participating States, which also contributes to the efforts to prevent the proliferation of SALW / ammunition to organisations with terrorist intent.

1.2 What national legislation has been adopted in your State to implement the above-mentioned agreements and arrangements?

At a national level, preventive and repressive measures are taken in order to prevent acts of terrorism in Switzerland. In addition, these measures aim to ensure that Swiss territory is not used to endanger domestic and international security, whether directly nor indirectly.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Switzerland promptly provided the required information in response to cooperation requests from several countries. Parliament has outlawed all activities of the Al-Qaida group on its territory. Switzerland has systematically implemented the decisions of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee, established following the Resolution 1267 (1999), and the subsequent relevant resolutions of the UN-Security Council aimed at the freezing of the assets of individuals and entities linked to terrorism. The activities of the two groups Al-Qaida and IS are considered a persistent threat to the domestic and external security of Switzerland. That is why Parliament adopted a 2 https://www.thegctf.org/ 3 https://rm.coe.int/profile-switzerland-2021-en/1680a47bbb

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federal law banning the groups Al-Qaida and IS as well as other related organisations (Federal Act on the Proscription of the Groups Al-Qaida, IS and its Associated Organisations, SR 122). In the meantime, this law has been repealed. Instead, other legal provisions were created: Based on new provisions of the Federal Act on the Intelligence Service (SR 121), the Government may ban an organisation or group that directly or indirectly propagates, supports or otherwise promotes terrorist or violent-extremist activities and thus poses a specific threat to internal or external security. Banning by Government is easier to arrange than by the Parliament. As a consequence the Swiss Government banned the groups Al-Qaida and IS as well as other related organisations for the next period of five years (starting December 1, 2022). The ban concerns not only all the activities of these organisations in Switzerland and abroad, but also all actions intended to provide them with financial, material or personnel-related support, such as dissemination of propaganda, fund-raising or recruitment of new members.

In December 2024, the Swiss Parliament enacted legislation banning Hamas and associated organizations for an initial period of five years, with the possibility of extension. According to the new law, Hamas and associated organizations are deemed terrorist organizations within the meaning of Article 260ter of the Swiss Criminal Code (SCC, SR 311.0). The law has not yet entered into force, as a referendum period is open until 19 April 2025. Also in December 2024, parliament decided to create a law banning Hezbollah and related organisations.

In view of the ratification and implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (in effect since October 23, 2003), a new Article 260quinquies SCC came into force on October 1, 2003. This provision provides for a penalty of up to 5 years of imprisonment for anyone who collects funds or makes them available with the intention of financing a violent criminal act aimed at intimidating a group of people or at forcing a State or international organisation to carry out or refrain from carrying out any act. Article 260quinquies supplements, among others, Article 260ter (on criminal and terrorist organisations) by making the financing of isolated individuals or loosely structured groups a fully-fledged offence, punishable even if no terrorist act has yet been committed or attempted. In addition, new provisions on the criminal responsibility of legal entities (Article 102) were introduced, also covering the crime of financing terrorism.

In September 2020, Parliament adopted targeted amendments in the field of criminal law and international cooperation to improve the prosecution of terrorist crimes. These amendments entered into force on July 1, 2021. Article 260ter SCC is now also explicitly tailored to the prosecution of terrorist organisations and not only criminal organisations. In order to facilitate prosecution, individual criteria for the existence of a criminal or terrorist organisation were adapted. Furthermore, a new criminal provision was introduced (Article 260sexies), which criminalizes recruitment, training as well as travelling for terroristic purposes and corresponding acts of financing terrorism. The amendments also implement the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol, which entered into force in Switzerland on July 1, 2021.

The Swiss Criminal Procedure Code (SR 312.0) provides various measures of procedural protection to safeguard potentially endangered witnesses. These include the options of anonymous witness testimony and the exclusion of the public from court proceedings. Within the framework of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, which, amongst others, defines judicial standards related to victim's assistance as well as procedural and extra-procedural protection of witnesses, Switzerland adopted the Federal Act on Extra-procedural Witness Protection (SR 312.2), which entered into force on January 1, 2013. The Witness Protection Act provides for the implementation of witness protection programmes for the benefit of witnesses in criminal proceedings who may face threats. For this purpose, a special national witness protection unit was formed within the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) in the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP). This unit is responsible for implementing the witness protection programme and offering advice and support to police authorities in cases where a witness protection programme cannot be implemented, but where special protective measures must nonetheless be undertaken by the police.

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On September 1, 2009, Parliament approved the modification of the Federal Act on Measures to Safeguard Internal Security (MSA, SR 120) as well as the adaptations of the Ordinance on the Extension of the Duty of Authorities, Public Offices and Organisations to provide information and to report in order to guarantee Internal and External Security (SR 120.1). The modifications apply to the measures against violence during sports events. These measures have been implemented by the Cantons on January 1, 2010, by their participation in the concordat against violence during sports events. This concordat supersedes the provisions of the MSA concerning measures limited in time (exclusion orders, obligation to present oneself to the police and police custody).

In 2011, Parliament passed an amendment to the Federal Act on Measures to Safeguard Internal Security (MSA). Inter alia, the existing Ordinance on the Extension of the Duty of Authorities, Public Offices and Organisations to provide information and to report in order to guarantee Internal and External Security was raised at legislative level and transferred into ordinary law. The expanded obligation to inform and the right to communicate also applies to terrorism. This amendment came into force on July 16, 2012.

On December 12, 2014, Parliament passed the federal act for implementing the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which was revised in 2012. The law further strengthens the existing framework in the fight against money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the financing of proliferation in Switzerland. The technical compliance with the FATF-Recommendations and the effectiveness of the Swiss system was acknowledged in the FATF Mutual Evaluation Report of Switzerland of December 7, 2016.

Parliament adopted amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act on March 19, 2021, which entered into force on January 1, 2023. The aim of this revision is to implement some of the most important country report recommendations and to improve Switzerland's defense mechanism against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The revision provides for measures for financial intermediaries in the areas of beneficial ownership, updating of client data and reports on suspected money laundering. Moreover, it promotes the transparency of associations and strengthens supervision and controls in the area of precious metals. A respective anti- money laundering ordinance relating to the subordinance of the sector to the FOCBS4 had been drafted and entered into force on January 1, 2023, together with the revised Anti-Money Laundering Act.

Furthermore, the Federal Act on Information Exchange between the Federal prosecution authorities and those of other Schengen States (Schengen Information Exchange Act, SR 362.2) aims to transpose into national law the European Union Council Framework Decision 2006/960/JHA of December 18, 2006, simplifying the exchange of information and intelligence between law enforcement authorities of the member states of the European Union. It came into force on January 1, 2010. This act is designed to simplify and accelerate the information exchange in order to prevent and prosecute violations of law. The information at the disposal of the competent federal and cantonal law enforcement authorities can be transmitted following a request from a Schengen State. The act also envisages an improvement of the automated information exchange by obliging the competent law enforcement authorities of the Schengen States to spontaneously provide all information likely to prevent and enable the prosecution of serious violations of law, such as human trafficking, child pornography, terrorism and corruption. The existing Schengen Information System (SIS) has been upgraded to an improved technical version, the SIS II, on April 9, 2013. The Ordinance on the N-SIS of March 8, 2013, regulates the operation of the system.

The revised Federal Act on Weapons, Weapons Accessories and Munitions (Weapons Act, WA, SR 514.54) which came into force on December 12, 2008, facilitates the fight against the improper use of weapons and guarantees that more controls will be carried out in this area. Since its entry into force, Cantons are obliged to register all transactions. 4 FOCBS Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance (SR 955.023)

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On July 28, 2010, amendments to the Federal Act on Weapons, Weapons Accessories and Munitions (SR 514.54) came into force. Amendments were, inter alia, necessary for the incorporation of the amending Directive 2008/51/EC (which amends Directive 91/477/EEC of 18 June 1991) on control, acquisition and possession of weapons as part of the development of the Schengen acquis. The 2010 amendments introduce the compulsory marking of each elementary package of complete ammunition, an extension of the period for retaining records, the setting up of computerised weapon registers, as well as provisions regulating the seizure of unlawfully marked weapons. The United Nation’s Firearms Protocol and the International Tracing Instrument have been integrated into the Federal Weapons Act. The provisions require that firearms designated to be imported to Switzerland must be provided with an importation mark. This mark enables the identification of the arms dealer who imported a specific firearm and the year a firearm was imported or marked. Firearms, their parts and components imported to Switzerland without proper marking will be confiscated by the respective authorities. To be able to efficiently trace firearms, the Central Arms Office has begun operating a database on firearm marks.

In 2015, Parliament passed the Federal Act on Improving the Exchange of Information between Authorities in relation to Weapons (Weapons Information Act). The act grants public prosecutors and courts the power to inform Swiss Armed Forces about persons who could pose a danger to themselves or others if permitted to carry a firearm. In addition, authorised offices will now be able to consult all cantonal weapons registers and the ARMADA database operated by the fedpol by means of a single search. A further aspect of the new law concerns the active notification of civil and military authorities on new entries in the ARMADA database, which contains information on the refusal or withdrawal of weapons licences and the confiscation of firearms. The act came into force on July 1, 2016. Under the Federal Ordinance on Explosives, marking for identification was already compulsory in Switzerland before the Montreal Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection had been signed.

In March 2017, the European Union amended its Weapons Directive, focusing on the issue of semi- automatic weapons, which were used during the Paris terrorist attacks in November 2015. These weapons are particularly dangerous because they can fire several shots without reloading. Access to such weapons should therefore be limited and the exchange of information between the Schengen countries should be improved. In September 2017, the Federal Council has sent a pragmatic legislative proposal for consultation which takes the Swiss gun ownership and marksmanship traditions into account, such as the right of conscripts to keep their military weapon at home. Gun clubs, collectors and museums will still be allowed to acquire certain semi-automatic weapons under specific conditions. The government report on the new law was submitted to Parliament on March 2018 and the debates took place during three parliamentary sessions in 2018. On May 19, 2019, the Swiss people voted for the amendment of the Weapons Act. The revised Act entered into force on August 15, 2019.

In September 2016, Swiss citizens endorsed a new Intelligence Service Act in a popular vote. The new act came into force on September 1, 2017. In line with the evolution of the threat situation, the new legal framework transforms additional power to the FIS (Federal Intelligence Service) within the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). In particular, the FIS is now able to use some of the measures that can be used by law enforcement agencies (wiretapping, computer network operations etc.), which will be most effective, among others, against terrorist threats. These measures are subject to political as well as judicial approval. According to art. 74 of the Intelligence Service Act, the Federal Council may - based on a UN resolution on a ban or on sanctions - ban an organisation or group that directly or indirectly propagates, supports or otherwise promotes terrorist or violent-extremist activities and thus poses a specific threat to internal or external security. The Federal Council banned the Groups Al-Qaida and IS as well as other related organisations for the next period of five years (starting December 1, 2022). Participation in such a group or support thereof is punishable under art. 74 para. 4 of the Intelligence Service Act.

The Federal Ordinance of the Federal Staff for Civil Protection came into force April 1, 2018. This Federal Staff is the organisation of the Confederation for the prevention and management of events of national

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importance relevant to population protection (disasters and emergencies). The Federal Ordinance also includes the coordination and cooperation between the confederation and the Cantons and third parties in the prevention and management of events.

Under the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA, SR 142.20), a foreign national can be banned from entering Switzerland in order to safeguard the country’s internal or external security. Switzerland may also order the expulsion of a foreign national in order to safeguard the internal or the external security of Switzerland. This applies especially where Switzerland’s security is at risk from terrorism, violent extremism or organised crime.

In 2019, the Federal Council submitted a new federal act to Parliament on police measures to fight terrorism. Its purpose is to strengthen the existing measures in place by allowing police to take action outside formal criminal proceedings and prior to the opening of such proceedings or even after the execution of custodial sentences. The new measures (i.e., obligation to report, ban on travelling abroad, contact ban) aim to take persons out of the criminal environment they are connected with. Parliament approved the new legislation in September 2020. A referendum was held against it. In June 2021 the Swiss population endorsed the new Act in a popular vote. The first part of the new act entered into force on October 1, 2021, the second part on June 1, 2022.

Since January 1, 2021, fedpol has the right to decide to withdraw a Swiss domain name if violent propaganda material has been distributed via that domain name (amendment of Article 13e of the Federal Act on Measures to Safeguard Internal Security [MSA, SR 120]).

The Explosives Precursors Act (SR 941.42), which came into force on January 1, 2023, regulates the acquisition by private individuals of substances that can be used to manufacture explosives (see 1.4 chapter "Explosives precursors" below).

The Ordinance on the National Terrorism Committee entered into force on January 1, 2023 (SR 172.010.422). The National Terrorism Committee is a political coordination body which brings together the responsible decision-makers from the Swiss Confederation and the Swiss Cantons in the event of a terrorist situation. Through mutual exchange and a joint assessment of the situation, political leadership and political communication can be coordinated in the respective competences of the competent authorities and synergies can be used.

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?

Fighting terrorism in Switzerland is a task shared between the federal government, the Cantons and the communes. It cuts across the various departments of the Federal Administration and is done in cooperation with foreign partners.

The Swiss Armed Forces may assist the civilian authorities in a subsidiary way if civilian personnel, material resources and capabilities are insufficient (Article 67 paragraph 2 of the Federal Act on the Armed Forces (Armed Forces Act SR 510.10). Such support is granted by the Federal Council only in response to a request from the civilian authorities. The Swiss Armed Forces’ missions to support civilian authorities are always under civilian leadership. If more than 2'000 Swiss Armed Forces personnel are engaged or if the support lasts for more than three weeks, parliamentary approval is required. The engagement of the Swiss Armed Forces can help to increase the political authorities’ freedom of action by controlling important areas, locations and installations of vital importance, protecting the population against the substantial use of force and providing assistance in the event of disasters or other emergencies. Additionally, the Swiss Armed Forces may provide support for large scale events that require enhanced security measures (e.g. World Economic Forum in Davos, OSCE Ministerial Council in Basel) and

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reinforce the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) or the protection of foreign embassies on Swiss territory. Finally, the Swiss Air Force maintains the nation's air sovereignty through airspace surveillance and air policing. Within this framework, the Swiss Armed Forces are part of the ‘National Security Cooperation’. In extreme circumstances, such as an evident and imminent terrorism threat, the Swiss Armed Forces can, pending parliamentary approval, be called to active service. In cases of emergency, the Federal Council may decide on such a deployment, but Parliament has to be convened immediately if more than 4'000 Swiss Armed Forces personnel are called up or if the deployment lasts for more than three weeks (Article 77 armed forces Act).

Switzerland concluded bilateral treaties on cross border cooperation against non-military airborne threats (e.g. renegade aircraft) with France in 2004 (SR 0.513.234.91), with Italy in 2006 (SR 0.513.245.41), with Germany in 2007 (SR 0.513.213.61) and with Austria in 2019 (SR 0.513.216.31). These treaties provide a legal basis for enhanced cooperation in fields such as Recognised Air Picture data exchange, the identification and observation of unknown aircraft and, with permission and under the control of the receiving State, cross border operations. With the exception of Germany, the use of warning flares is permitted. However, the firing of ammunition at an aircraft remains exclusively within the competence of the State in control of the airspace. Similarly, Switzerland has signed several memoranda of understanding with partner countries on the deployment of in-flight security officers (sky marshals) on civilian flights.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, several parliamentary initiatives requested a stronger role for the national security agencies, as well as an increase of their resources and instruments. Consequently, the Federal Council tasked the FOJ in November 2001 with submitting proposals to improve the resources to fight terrorism. In June 2002, the Federal Council approved the report ‘Situation and Threat Analysis of Switzerland after the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001’ and divided the topic into two sub-topics, the second including ‘terrorism/extremism’. In October 2004, the Federal Council acknowledged the first considerations and commissioned the FOJ to prepare a draft act for consultation. The adoption of the respective legal and criminal provisions is considered one of the main priorities.

In 2001, the special unit Task Force Terror USA was set up by the Office of the Attorney General of the Swiss Confederation (OAG) and fedpol to coordinate criminal investigations and to ensure cooperation with foreign authorities. By January 1, 2004, the Task Force Terror USA was replaced by a permanent investigative division within the fedpol. Here are specialised information and expertise accumulated and related investigations are coordinated. While the investigative division deals with prosecution, the FIS executes preventive duties and intelligence gathering in the field of counter-terrorism.

The Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) is the national authority for receiving, analysing and disseminating Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) and other information regarding potential money laundering or financing of terrorism. It also exchanges relevant information with similar entities on the international level.

In January 2017, an operational coordination body for counterterrorism was created at federal level for the purpose of implementing Switzerland’s Counterterrorism Strategy and for enhanced cooperation and coordination within Switzerland. This body, which comprises all relevant services of the federal administration under the chairmanship of fedpol and in which the Cantons also take part, is called “Operational Coordination TETRA” (for TErrorist TRAcking) and perpetuates the work of the previous Task Force TETRA, which was set up in 2014. The Operational Coordination TETRA coordinates all counterterrorism activities of services (intelligence, law enforcement, specific cases and preventive measures and processing concerning terrorist activities against and within Switzerland) such as the FIS, the OAG, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA; Swiss Counterterrorism Coordination), the FOCBS and State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). TETRA, as a working method, has significantly contributed to an enhanced and more effective communication between all relevant actors.

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1.4 Provide any additional relevant information on national efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, e.g., those pertaining inter alia to:

The Swiss Counter Terrorist Strategy (CT)

Switzerland is committed to fighting terrorism and its causes by pursuing the following strategic objectives: it prevents terrorism on its territory, it prevents the export of all forms of terrorism and all support for terrorism from its territory; it supports the international community in its efforts to prevent terrorism; it rejects terrorist blackmail; it is prepared to cope with acts of terrorism, and it is recognised internationally as a reliable and prudent player that is committed to international law.

In conformity with the four pillars of the UN CT Global Strategy, Switzerland has developed its international cooperation and a wide range of effective instruments to combat terrorism and the financing of terrorism.

Switzerland's National Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted in 2015 and updated in 2024 and is now to be reviewed every four years. The strategy is built on four pillars: “prevent”; “prosecute”; “protect”; and “prepare”. The main objective of this strategy is lined out as follows: No terrorist acts are perpetrated in Switzerland. Its territory is neither misused for terrorist financing, nor for the provision of logistical support or the planning of terrorist activities within Switzerland or abroad.

- Addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism (Pillar I), Switzerland is strongly engaged in development programmes worldwide, as well as in peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes, notably ensuring mediation in various conflict zones. It supports initiatives at the level of international or regional organisations, including the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and the OSCE. In April 2016, Switzerland adopted its Foreign Affairs Plan of Action for the Prevention of Violent Extremism. On December 4, 2017, Switzerland adopted the National Action Plan to Prevent and Counter Radicalisation and Violent Extremism (period 2017-2022), which falls within the first pillar of the strategy. The Second National Action Plan to Prevent and Counter Radicalisation and Violent Extremism covers the period 2023-2027.

- Concerning the prevention and fight against terrorism (Pillar II), Switzerland is, as a member of the FATF, implementing the Recommendations of the FATF on the fight against money laundering, the financing of terrorism and proliferation. As a member, it is periodically subject to an evaluation by peer FATF member states of its anti-money laundering and terrorism financing system. Switzerland underwent its fourth mutual evaluation by FATF in 2016. The mutual evaluation report of Switzerland has been published and is accessible through the following link5 or on the FATF-Website. Switzerland has effective legislation to permit rapid cooperation in the sphere of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, in particular for the purpose of blocking funds. It has also introduced a federal act on the division of forfeited assets (LVPC)6, which lays down the procedure for dividing those assets between Switzerland and foreign States. The Swiss Parliament has adopted an amendment of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)7 which introduces a more effective possibility to respond to requests from foreign Financial Intelligence Units (FIU), allowing MROS to request information from Swiss financial intermediaries who have not yet reported.

- Switzerland contributes to strengthening the UN system for building the capacities of states to prevent and combat terrorism (Pillar III). Notably, it supports the global and regional work and initiatives of the UNODC, the GCTF and the OSCE. Switzerland supported the development of capacity-building and best practices within OSCE by contributing to the drafting, translation and launch of a guidebook 5 Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures Switzerland 6 LVPC, RS 312.4; the text of this Federal law is available, in three languages, at the following address: https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2004/468/fr 7Art. 11a para 2bis AMLA. RS 955.0. Entered into force on 1 July 2021.

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entitled “Preventing Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalisation that lead to terrorism”.

- Finally, respect for human rights and the rule of law (Pillar IV) is the fundamental basis for Switzerland’s fight against terrorism: it is essential that counterterrorism efforts and policies are carried out within the framework of international law and particularly of human rights, refugee law and international humanitarian law, maintaining a balance between prevention and repression. Switzerland promotes exchanges on issues relevant to accountability, transparency and legality in the fight against terrorism, and also supports training on human rights and counter-terrorism for police officers from South Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. This programme has been developed with the participation of ODIHR.

Within the four areas of Prevention, Repression, Protection and Crisis Preparedness, the strategy defines the following six strategic goals for achieving the main objective:

- Switzerland prevents terrorism on its territory - Switzerland prevents the export and support of terrorism from its territory - Switzerland supports foreign partners in preventing terrorism - Switzerland refuses to be blackmailed by terrorists - Switzerland is prepared to cope with terrorist attacks - Switzerland is a reliable, prudent partner at an international level, and committed to international law

Along strategic lines of action (consisting each of several specific measures), the strategy describes how to achieve these strategic goals, and finally the main objective.

Since 2015, Switzerland has expanded its legal options for combating terrorism. These are now integrated into the new strategy. For example, the Federal Act on Police Measures to Combat Terrorism gives the police more options in the event of terrorist threats. In addition, the Federal Act on Precursors for Explosive Substances, which came into force on 1 January 2023, makes it more difficult to obtain commonly used chemical substances that can be misused to manufacture explosives for terrorist purposes.

The National Terror Committee (NATA) was set up on 1 January 2023. The committee, as a political coordination body, is to bring together the responsible members of the federal and cantonal governments in a terrorist situation.

Key cantonal, communal and federal actors released the National Action Plan to Prevent and Counter Radicalisation and Violent Extremism8 in December 2017 (period 2017-2022). The Action Plan recommends 26 measures in the following areas: knowledge and expertise, cooperation and coordination, prevention of violent extremist ideologies and extremist groups, disengagement and reintegration, and international cooperation. The measures aim to detect at an early stage, prevent and disengage during and before criminal proceedings, as well as during and after prison terms. The Action Plan targets first and foremost local actors, who are asked to implement the measures in the following five years.

The “Second National Action Plan to Prevent and Counter Radicalisation and Violent Extremism” covers the period 2023-2027. The second NAP includes targeted measures to prevent various forms of radicalisation and violent extremism, and places a special focus on young people, as they can be particularly vulnerable and receptive to radical ideologies. The aim is to prevent radicalisation processes early since that could ultimately lead to the planning and commission of terrorist and other violent extremist acts. For prevention to be effective, interdisciplinary cooperation between authorities at communal, cantonal and federal levels as well as with international partners is key. Civil society should also be involved wherever 8National Action Plan (admin.ch)

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possible when sharing corresponding information and lessons learned – the challenges associated with this topic are multifaced by nature and affect society as a whole. This second National Action Plan is in line with fundamental and human rights, and is consistent with the areas defined by the United Nations to effectively prevent and combat violent extremism.

The Swiss Coordination for International Counter-Terrorism (CT)

Switzerland’s international efforts in the fight against terrorism are carried out by the Section for "International Counter-Terrorism" within the Directorate for International Law of the FDFA. The international CT Section is responsible for developing and coordinating Swiss foreign policy in this matter and manages the commitment of the Swiss Government to improving cooperation with foreign states and international organisations in the fight against terrorism. It is to be underlined that this coordination function is exercised without prejudice to the material competence of the other federal services, which retain responsibility for these issues within their respective operational domains.

Money Laundering and Financing of terrorism

Within the framework of the implementation of the revised FATF recommendations, on November 29, 2013, the Federal Council created a permanent inter-agency working group, the “Interdepartmental coordinating group on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism (CGMT)”, with the aim of coordinating all national efforts pertaining to money-laundering and the financing of terrorism in Switzerland, thereby conducting, on a regular basis, a national risk assessment. The working group is composed of representatives from the relevant agencies attached inter alia to the FDJP, the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) and the FDFA, at directorate or office level. The CGMT is also responsible for drafting the “Reports on the national evaluation of the risks (NRA) of money laundering and terrorist financing in Switzerland”9, for its updates and for other sector risks reports10.

As a member of FATF, Switzerland is implementing the relevant recommendations on terrorism financing and has adapted its laws in accordance with these recommendations. These laws entered into force in 2016.

Border Control

Since the Schengen Association Agreement came into force, border checks have no longer been carried out at internal borders (land and air borders with other Schengen states). The Cantons are free to determine how they conduct identity checks within their own area of sovereignty and may delegate border checks at Switzerland's external borders by administrative agreements to the FOCBS (Article 97 Federal Customs Act).The aim of these administrative agreements is to make the best possible use of synergies between the cantons and the FOCBS in the area of internal security. The FOCBS should be able to carry out the tasks delegated to it independently. The agreements regulate in particular the operational area, the scope of the tasks, data protection, state liability and the coverage of costs. Additionally, the FOCBS is responsible for customs checks.

- As Switzerland is not a member of the European Customs Union (EUCU), customs checks are carried out at all borders (internal as well as external) on persons and goods entering and exiting Switzerland. Border and customs checkpoints operate during defined opening hours. Further checks in the border area may be performed on a random basis. The FOCBS is authorised to conduct customs inspections 9See the First NRA Report (2015) as well as the Second NRA Report (2021) 10 https://www.sif.admin.ch/sif/en/home/finanzmarktpolitik/integritaet-des-finanzplatzes-.html

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throughout Switzerland. Checks take place on public roads, on trains and at the green border. Helicopters are used in certain cases.

- At the external Schengen borders (international airports), all passengers are checked. For persons enjoying the right of free movement (basically citizens of a Schengen country and their family members), checks ensure that the provided travel document belongs to the checked person. At the same time the required checks are run in the relevant police data bases as well. Third country nationals are subjected to immigration checks in accordance with the Schengen regime. Customs checks are carried out by the FOCBS, while checks on persons are performed by the cantonal police forces or the FOCBS.

- At the internal Intra-Schengen-borders (mainly land borders, but also airports as far as Schengen flights are concerned), identity checks are in principle not performed. Such checks may only be performed on an initial suspicion, if deemed necessary due to a general risk assessment or for self-protection.

Since March 2009, the Ordinance on the Control of Trans-Border Cash Movements (SR 631.052) has applied in relation to customs inspections. It allows the temporary securing or, in some cases, the confiscation of cash that might be related to terrorism or money laundering. In this regard, the FOCBS cooperates with the MROS and the relevant police forces.

Travel document security

Switzerland attributes great importance to its measures against the counterfeiting of its travel documents. It was one of the first countries connected to the INTERPOL-database on lost and stolen travel documents (SLTD).

Furthermore, on May 17, 2009, Swiss citizens accepted by referendum the Federal Decree on the implementation of the EC-Regulation 2252/2004, amended by EC-Regulation 444/2009 of May 28, 2009 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by member states which are part of the Schengen acquis. As of March 1, 2010, Switzerland issues exclusively 2nd generation e-passports with an electronically stored facial image and two fingerprints. Since November 2022, Switzerland issues exclusively its new passport with enhanced security design and security features. In order to participate in the global effort to enhance travel document security, Switzerland has become member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Public Key Directory Board (ICAO-PKD) and established an active connection to the ICAO-PKD for the up- and download of certificates in January 2011. These certificates are made available online to border guards and law enforcement authorities in Switzerland. The chair of the board was held by Switzerland from May 2012 until October 2017. The board endeavours to promote the use of this important security infrastructure. In order to contribute to this effort, Switzerland remains on the Executive Body of the ICAO-PKD. To contribute to the future development of secure travel documents, Switzerland also participates in the relevant ICAO working groups, such as the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), the New Technologies Working Group (NTWG) and the Implementation and Capacity Working Group (ICBWG), as well as in the ISO working group preparing those developments, the JTC1 SC17 WG3.

Besides issuing state-of-the-art travel documents, Switzerland has actively participated since 2010 in the EU-FADO-Database (False and Authentic Documents) and makes this information available to border- guard and police authorities.

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Container and supply chain security

Switzerland applies security standards corresponding to those of the EU. To this end, Switzerland and the EU concluded a treaty which recognises their standards. This treaty came into force on January 1, 2011. The objective was to abstain from security measures in bilateral trade between Switzerland and the EU. A similar agreement with Norway came into force on July 1, 2017.

The acknowledged equal security standards between Switzerland/Norway and the EU allow for trilateral trade between Switzerland/Norway and the EU without advance-declaration. Instead, the direct trade of goods between Switzerland and non-EU States (except Norway) will be handled by the security regulations. Moreover, Switzerland created a status of Authorized Economic Operator equal to that in the EU and therefore recognised by the EU and by Norway.

Security of radioactive sources

The Swiss legislation on radiological protection fixes a procedure of licences and inspection for the use of ionizing radiation (radioactive sources and radiological installations). The licensing authority is the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). According to the Code of Conduct on the safety and security of radioactive sources published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the FOPH manages an inventory of high activity sealed radioactive sources (HASS), which lists the most dangerous sources present in various Swiss companies. The FOPH regularly collects information on their state and location and enforces specific security measures to prevent sabotage or theft of such sources. All provisions related to radiological security have been integrated into the Radiological Protection Ordinance of April 26, 2017 as well as further technical ordinances and directives. One directive specifically addresses the security measures to be implemented for HASS while another describes where, how and to what extent waste and recycling materials have to be checked for possible radioactivity.

At the end of 2020, the Swiss government adopted the Radiss Action Plan 2020–2025 to promote a high level of radiological safety and security by further strengthening the measures in this field. It includes measures to prevent loss of control and to detect illicit trafficking or disposal of radioactive sources. Radiss has been prolonged until 2028, additionally a new field of action was added to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

The Action Plan aims at strengthening the security of radioactive sources, increasing detection capabilities in waste treatment and recycling plants, as well as at borders in order to detect orphan sources or trafficking. A priority is to reduce the number of HASS through their replacement with alternative technologies. Furthermore, an efficient incident management and a lessons-learned culture will be promoted through better exchange of information between involved parties.

The International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission conducted by the IAEA in 2023 underlined the robustness of Switzerland's security regime for radioactive material and attested to its alignment with IAEA guidelines. The recommendations put forth by international experts have now been integrated into the second phase of the Action Plan to further improve radiological security. Use of the internet and other information networks for terrorist purposes

In 2019, the Federal Council set up the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as one actionable deliverable of the second national strategy (2018 – 2022) for the protection of Switzerland against cyber risks. The NCSC acts as a point of contact for operators of critical infrastructures and the general public. It addresses questions on cyber risks and operates the national Computer Emergency Response Team (GovCERT). Furthermore, the NCSC became in 2025 a Federal Office, and is responsible for managing cyber incidents and operations which reach the level of national security concern. Should the internet and other information networks be used for terrorist purposes, the NCSC and the FIS would be in charge of

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dealing with this malicious cyber activity.

With the new federal act on police measures (see 1.2 above), fedpol is able to conduct covert searches on the internet in order to better identify and combat terrorist activities.

Switzerland considers that the rights held by people offline must also be protected online, and therefore protects the right of privacy in digital communication.

Switzerland supports the Christchurch Call to Eliminate Terrorist and Violent Extremist Content Online. The Christchurch Call is a multi-stakeholder commitment aimed at preventing the uploading and online dissemination of terrorist and violent extremist content.

Hostage Taking; Blackmail

Fedpol’s Special Task Force for hostage taking and blackmail (SOGE) deals with crisis situations resulting from criminal acts subject to federal jurisdiction and therefore compels the federal authorities or foreign authorities to act. SOGE follows and assesses the situation, prepares political decisions and requests to the Federal Council, and presents the Federal Council with proposals for solving the crisis. Additionally, fedpol along with the Crisis Management Centre of the FDFA and the FIS, acts as first response in case of kidnappings of Swiss citizens abroad. In addition of having a specialised crisis management unit, a special quick response pool of specialists offers a 24/7 deployment possibility in the event of such kidnappings or other crises.

Explosives

Under the Montreal Convention from 1991, plastic explosives need to be marked in Switzerland for the purpose of detection. Furthermore, Switzerland also marks civil explosives. Only explosives which contain these microscopic particles can be legally placed on the market. The particles are designed to survive the explosion and can be collected for forensic analysis. The microscopic taggants are fluorescent and consist of multiple coloured layers, representing a unique identification code (production place, time span and lot). Finally, all explosives are marked with bar codes for identification and traceability throughout Europe. fedpol is responsible for the certification of explosives and pyrotechnical devices placed on the market in Switzerland. It ensures that the legislation (for example regarding marking) in this area is enforced, issues import and manufacturing licences and checks that the compliance requirements are fulfilled. fedpol also operates a database on all incidents occurring in Switzerland involving explosives and pyrotechnical devices, and provides other agencies and private individuals with advice.

Furthermore, fedpol operates the Swiss national Bomb Data Center, is actively involved in the international Bomb Data Center Working Group (IBDCWG) and Network and participates in the relevant Interpol and Europol bodies.

Explosives precursors

Based on a report written by fedpol, the Federal Council proposed a law to Parliament on November 20, 2019 that restricts access to explosives precursors for private users and regulates access of bona fide users of the regulated substances (regulations analogous to the EU Regulation 2019/1148) and that clarifies the process for reporting suspicious transactions. The Explosives Precursors Act (SR 941.42), which came into force on January 1, 2023, regulates the acquisition by private individuals of substances that can be used to manufacture explosives (such as hydrogen peroxide in disinfectants). In certain concentrations, these substances can be used to manufacture homemade explosives for terrorist attacks. On the Swiss market,

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about 100 products containing such substances are affected by the regulation. These are mainly sold in specialised shops such as pharmacies or drugstores. Depending on the substance and concentration, a licence issued by fedpol is required to purchase these products. Private individuals and vendors of explosives precursors can report suspicious transactions or activities to the National Contact Point at fedpol at any time.

Safe havens and shelter to terrorists and terrorist organisations

Fedpol, the SEM and the FIS cooperate closely in order to prevent individuals involved in terrorist activities and/or supporting a terrorist organisation from entering Switzerland. Both fedpol and SEM can consult their internal security partners to use a number of administrative measures (e.g. entry bans, expulsions, etc.) to prevent (potential) terrorists from entering or residing in Switzerland. Whilst the FIS does not issue entry bans, it can propose that fedpol do so, based on prior assessment. The above mentioned offices are also attentive to the activities of individuals in Switzerland who may attempt to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals associated with terrorism. In the past, the Swiss authorities have investigated and prosecuted a network involved in such activities.

Switzerland remains at risk of being used as a financial and logistical base to support jihadist groups in planning and carrying out terrorist attacks. Currently, the OAG, together with fedpol is conducting around 120 proceedings against individuals suspected of being a member and supporting terrorist organizations. Investigations have especially been conducted against individuals suspected of supporting terrorist organisations by producing and disseminating propaganda, recruiting or financing of having joined such organizations as Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) as well as of planning attacks within Switzerland and elsewhere. Since 2016, the OAG has secured 29 convictions at trial and over 30 final penalty orders on terrorism-related charges, all of them regarding either the groups Al-Qaida or IS. With IS being repelled in Syria and Iraq, investigations have increasingly focused on potential returnees and home grown supporters.

1.5. Civil protection services in Switzerland

In 2024, civil protection performed around 400,000 service days. Of these, around 335,000 days were spent on training and around 65,000 days on disaster relief and operations activities for the benefit of the community.

2. Stationing of armed forces on foreign territory

2.1 Provide information on the stationing of your State’s armed forces on the territory of other participating states in accordance with freely negotiated agreements as well as in accordance with international law.

In general, deployments of the Swiss Armed Forces both within Switzerland and abroad are decided by the Federal Council. Major deployments in the context of peace operations (PO) or assistance service are however subject to parliamentary approval.11 Pursuant to Article 66b paragraph 4 of the Armed Forces Act, parliamentary approval is necessary if more than 100 members of the Swiss Armed Forces are deployed to a PO or the deployment lasts more than three weeks. This is necessary e.g. in the case of the deployment of the Swiss contingent (SWISSCOY) within the KFOR. In case of assistance service, approval by Parliament is required if more than 2'000 Swiss Armed Forces personnel are deployed or if 11 To provide support to civilian authorities abroad in protecting persons and objects meriting special protection, supporting

humanitarian aid efforts, at the request of the affected state or an international organization, emergency relief (Art. 67 (1), Armed Forces Act).

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the mission is expected to last more than three weeks (Art. 70 of the Armed Forces Act (SR 510.10)).

The temporary stationing of Swiss military personnel on the territory of other OSCE participating states in the context of peace operations (PO) is governed by the agreements between the respective OSCE participating State and the responsible international organisations (e.g. the OSCE and/or the United Nations).

In relation to PO, the Federal Council determines if deployed personnel are to be armed. Since members of the Swiss Armed Forces are not allowed to participate in combat and coercive operations in peace enforcement operations, they are only armed for self-defence and for the accomplishment of the mandate.

The Swiss Armed Forces have been engaged in Kosovo in the international Kosovo Force (KFOR) peace support mission, with a company-size unit (SWISSCOY), since October 1999. On June 15, 2023, Parliament approved the extension of the deployment of SWISSCOY until the end of 2026 with an authorised strength of 195. Along, with this decision the parliament also authorised the Federal Council to increase the number of personnel up to 225 if there is a specific need for it within KFOR. In November 2023, the Federal Council decided to increase the authorised strength with 20 additional personnel in order to help KFOR closing a capability gap. As a result, since April 2024, SWISSCOY comprises military personnel with an authorised strength of 215. The additional forces enable Switzerland to take over the leadership of the Joint Logistics Support Group on a rotating basis. Permanent command of the transport company is now also under Swiss leadership. The contingent consists of elements of logistical support and transport, engineer support in the field of explosive ordnance disposal as well as liaison and monitoring capacities. The Swiss Armed Forces man six liaison and monitoring teams (Mitrovica, Obilic, Suva Reka, Zubin Potok, Malishevo and Prizren). The Armed Forces also contribute to the mission airlift capability with two Super Puma helicopters.

Currently, 20 members of the Swiss Armed Forces are deployed in the European Union Force (EUFOR ALTHEA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Some operate as staff officers in the EUFOR HQ in Sarajevo, while the majority are deployed in two liaison and observation teams (LOT, Mostar and Trebinje).

As an additional contribution to EUFOR ALTHEA, Switzerland provides elements of a multinational Mobile Training Team (MTT) for capacity building in ammunition and weapons storage site management. The MTT is Swiss-led and consists of ammunition and weapons experts from Austria, Sweden and Switzerland. The MTT project is fully integrated into the international community’s effort to assist the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in disposing of its surplus weapons and ammunition and introducing a sustainable life-cycle management system (incl. national procedures and structures). The efforts of the MTT focus on stockpile management, but also include physical security aspects, particularly with regard to the use of lethal and non-lethal means during guard duties in accordance with international humanitarian law and the OSCE Code of Conduct. Since the beginning of 2013, Switzerland has also seconded the Special Ammunition and Weapons Advisor (SAWAD) to COM EUFOR. He is in charge of advising both COM EUFOR and the BiH Minister of Defence on issues related to weapons and ammunition.

Additionally the Swiss Armed Forces have engaged 54 individuals (Military Experts on Mission [UNMEM], Military Staff Officers [MSO], mine awareness - and training experts as well as NNSC) in 14 peace operations or headquarters (UN, OSCE) abroad (as of 11.03.2025).

With regard to civilian police support, Switzerland has been present in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina for several years: in Kosovo at first under the umbrella of United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and afterwards within the missions of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland currently provides the European Union Police Mission (EUPM) with one border guard officer and one criminal justice advisor. Switzerland is also present in Mali (UNPOL) with civilian police experts via the civilian expert pool from the MFA as well as in MINUSMA (EUCAP)

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and UNPOL in MONUSCO.

In the context of training cooperation (e.g. joint courses or exercises) between the Swiss Armed Forces and other states Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Act authorizes the Federal Council to conclude international agreements i.e. on the matter of training of Swiss military personnel abroad or joint exercises with foreign military units abroad. Hence the temporary deployment of Swiss military personnel on the territory of other OSCE participating states is governed by bi- or multilateral agreements with the respective states or by the ‘Agreement among the States Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the other states participating in the Partnership for Peace regarding the Status of their Forces’ dated June 19, 1995, (PfP-SOFA) along with its amended protocol, ratified by the Federal Council on March 26, 2003. Additionally, a program of international military training exercises is submitted annually to the Federal Council for approval. The programme includes exercises as part of the Partnership for Peace programme as well as exercises that are not already covered by bilateral framework training agreements.

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.

Switzerland’s engagement in the field of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation is aimed at strengthening international security and at contributing to a rules-based international order. It further endeavours to promote efficient and effective international organisation and a functioning multilateralism trough transparency and confidence. In accordance with its humanitarian tradition, Switzerland also advocates multilateral arrangements which contribute to the respect of international humanitarian law and human rights, the mitigation of harm caused by armed conflicts, the protection of civilians and human security.

In 2022, the Swiss Federal Council adopted its first ever arms control and disarmament strategy. The strategy sets out goals and measures in five areas of action (Nuclear Weapons; Biological and Chemical Weapons; Conventional Weapons; Autonomous Weapons; Cyberspace and outer space) for the period running from 2022 to 202512. The strategy recognises opportunities and risks entailed by new technological developments and places a particular emphasis on the development of norms concerning autonomous weapons, cyberspace and outer space. Switzerland is convinced that, faced with various technological challenges, arms control must evolve. As the strategy underscores, Switzerland's ambition is to help shape effective multilateral measures and ensure the responsible use of new technologies. The OSCE is a relevant partner for the implementation of the strategy, notably in the area of small arms and ammunition management, where Switzerland intends to provide specialist expertise, equipment and finance.

As of January 2022 the Swiss Federal Council adopted an OSCE action plan for 2022 – 202513 . This Action Plan focuses on the following two fields of action, each of which have corresponding targets and measures: A positive future agenda in view of 2025 and the Revitalisation of previous OSCE achievements. Among the latter, the strategy intents to promote awareness of and strengthen compliance with the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, such as democratic control of armed and security forces. In particular, it will do so by means of specific projects and studies and by supporting outreach activities to the OSCE partners of cooperation with finance material and expertise. Furthermore it supports Swiss Parliamentary Delegation to the OSCE in formulating resolutions within the OSCE 12 https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-87020.html 13 https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/suche/suchresultat.html/content/publikationen/en/eda/schweizer- aussenpolitik/Aktionsplan_OSZE_2022-2025

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Parliamentary Assembly.

In addition, in November 2022, Switzerland joined the political declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA). By doing so Switzerland could make a tangible contribution to the better implementation of IHL by all parties to an armed conflict.

Switzerland is an advocate of disarmament and arms control treaties that are non-discriminatory and as verifiable as possible. Precedence is given to instruments which are binding under international law over agreements that are purely of a political nature, although it also considers the latter to be binding and is resolute in its implementation. On this basis, Switzerland ensures implementation through various instruments at national, regional and international levels, including:

- Establishment of an arms control and disarmament strategy at the Federal Council level including goals and measures to be achieved and implemented within a legislative period; - Reporting to Parliament and comprehensive answers to parliamentary questions; - Regular inter-ministerial coordination on various levels, including long-term planning of projects and budget funds (where necessary); - Definition of interdepartmental action plans (related to particular arms control, disarmament and non- proliferation domains), including strategic objectives and tasks/milestones to be achieved within a certain period; - Regular consultation and provision of information among government stakeholders, services and Swiss Armed Forces formations and units relevant for operational implementation (i.e. in the domain of Confidence and Security Building Measures, ammunition destruction, explosive ordnance disposal, export control, border control, CBRN expertise, etc.); - Regular national reporting on the implementation of the commitments under the regimes along predefined procedures (for UN Member States, OSCE participating States, and within the framework of Conventions); - Active implementation of confidence and security-building measures (CSBM) “to the letter and spirit” of the relevant agreements (i.e. Vienna Document 11), including voluntary measures; - Active promotion of multilateral measures that strengthen universalisation implementation and (where agreed) its verification.

Switzerland is a member of the European Firearms Expert Group EFE which is linked to the Law Enforcement Working Party LEWP. Switzerland also participates in numerous operational actions of the EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) priority 2022-2025 "Firearms trafficking". The aim of this priority is to combat criminal networks and individual criminals involved in the illicit trafficking, distribution and use of firearms. Furthermore, Switzerland participates in Europol's Analysis Project "Weapons and Explosives" and uses the Europol Platform for Experts EPE (subgroups Trafficking in Firearms and EMPACT Firearms). Additionally, Switzerland uses the EVOFINDER system for the international ballistic trace of bullet material and is also part of the Arms system of INTERPOL.

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.

Switzerland supports the re-launching of discussions on the future of conventional arms control in Europe, which it considers to be a vital element of cooperative security. It also supports and is actively engaged in the Structured Dialogue on the current and future challenges and risks to security in Europe within the framework of the OSCE.

Within the OSCE framework, Switzerland contributed to the preparation of the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) as well as the OSCE Document on Stockpiles of Conventional

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Ammunition (SCA). Since 2014, Switzerland has supported the OSCE projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Georgia, North Macedonia and Tunisia with around CHF 1.4 Million. In addition to financial contributions, Switzerland also endeavours to provide technical expertise for selected projects (e.g. training on transportation of dangerous goods incl. ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova or training on ammunition surveillance in Bosnia and Herzegovina ) as well as for assessment visits and round tables.

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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?

The lead for foreign and security policy, and hence for military posture and defence expenditures, lies with the government, i.e. the Federal Council. Within the parameters set by the Federal Constitution, the Federal Council develops and presents its policy periodically in a report on Swiss security policy.

The most recent such Report on Security Policy was published in November 2021 and was presented to Parliament in the course of 2022 (not for formal approval as it is merely a policy document of the government).It identified nine objectives to be pursued as priorities over the next few years. For each of these objectives, it listed specific measures to be implemented in the coming years. The various policy areas (foreign policy, economic policy, information and communication) and instruments (armed forces, civil protection, intelligence service, police, custom, civil service) are working together to achieve these objectives. In addition to the abovementioned Report on Security Policy 2021, the Federal Council has published the report “clarity and guidance on neutrality policy”, elaborating on neutrality as an instrument of Swiss foreign and security policy in the present international context.

The large-scale military attack initiated by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in February 2022 represents a massive security risk for the entire European continent and is therefore also a matter of deep concern to Switzerland. In March 2022, convinced that this conflict constitutes a turning point for the European and the Swiss security environment, the Swiss government has decided to assess its consequences for the country and to present the resulting adjustments to the Swiss defence policy in an additional report complementing the latest Security Policy Report released in November 2021. In the “Supplementary report to the 2021 report on security policy on the consequences of the war in Ukraine” adopted on September 7, 2022, the government indicates that it wants to steer Switzerland’s security and defence policy – in a more systematic way than before and in the respect of neutrality – towards international cooperation. In addition, the modernisation of the Swiss Armed Forces is to be accelerated in order to bridge the existing gaps in defence capabilities.

Parliament takes the final decision on defence expenditures which is part of the federal budget. The budget proposal submitted by the Federal Council is first discussed in the respective parliamentary committees of both chambers before being presented to the plenary session. Parliament then decides also on requests for appropriations on procurement programmes for the Swiss Armed Forces (including weapons and ammunition) and military infrastructure programmes.

1.2 How does your State ensure that its military capabilities take account of the legitimate security concerns of other States as well as the need to contribute to international security and stability?

Given its peaceful relationships with other countries, its neutrality and centuries-long tradition of military non-aggression, its relatively small demographic and geographic size, and the openness of its political and resource allocation process, including the process of formulating security and defence policies, Switzerland reinforces its engagement to foster international peace and security. Switzerland also participates in international peace operations based on a UN or OSCE mandate.

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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 and private military and security companies?

As a general setting, there are a number of parliamentary respectively external as well as internal controlling mechanisms that supervise the forces’, services’ and federal offices’ accomplishment of tasks. The parliamentary supervision committees guarantee an external control of the offices. Secondly, the federal departments are legally obliged to supervise their own endeavours internally.

Armed Forces

Democratic control of the Swiss Armed Forces is ensured by the primacy of rule of law, parliamentary control, and transparency in defence matters. Important decisions related to the Swiss Armed Forces, such as engagements of the Swiss Armed Forces and all major acquisition and budgetary projects, are subject to parliamentary approval.

The Swiss Armed Forces are firmly controlled by democratic oversight:

- The Swiss Armed Forces structure is approved by Parliament down to battalion level; - There is full transparency regarding Swiss Armed Forces engagements and activities: Indeed, all major Swiss Armed Forces engagements are subject to parliamentary approval (see chapter 2.1 below); - Major armament, ammunition procurement or infrastructure projects are subject to parliamentary approval; - All senior staff officers are appointed by the government; - Military justice is independent and only administratively subordinated to the Head of DDPS. The judges of the Military Supreme Court are appointed by Parliament.

In addition, the Federal Act on Freedom of Information in the Administration (SR 152.3) also applies to the Swiss Armed Forces. It stipulates that any person has the right to inspect in situ or to request a copy of official documents. Every document requested is assessed individually and has to be made available, unless Article 7 applies. This provision stipulates that the right of access is limited, deferred or refused if such access to an official document affects inter alia the execution of specific measures taken by an authority in conformity with its objectives, or is likely to compromise the domestic and international security of Switzerland.

Paramilitary forces

Switzerland has no paramilitary forces.

Internal security forces

Switzerland has no internal security forces.

Intelligence services

Switzerland's two intelligence services belong both to the DDPS:

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- The FIS operates on the basis of the Intelligence Service Act (SR 121), the Ordinance on the Federal Intelligence Service (FISO, SR 121.1) and the Ordinance on the FIS Information and Storage Systems (ISSO-FIS, SR 121.2). This law as well as the regulating ordinances came into force in September 2017.

- The FIS is also the home agency for the central offices for dual-use goods, war material and nuclear and radioactive materials. These offices are tasked, based on their specific legislation, to collect information to prevent the illicit use of the goods in their defined area of responsibility.

- On the basis of articles 99 and 100 of the Armed Forces Act (SR 510.10) the Military Intelligence Service and the Service for Preventive Protection of the armed forces (MIS&SPPAF) provide joint intelligence on military-strategic and senior command level in order to respond to the specific needs of the Ministry of Defence (DDPS), the Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces and his Staff. It is attributed to the Operations Command and is subordinated to the head of the MIS&SPPAF (fulfilling therefore and thereby also the J2 Tasks). MIS analysis and production is predominantly focused on situation awareness and threat analysis regarding all theatres and missions where members of the Swiss Armed Forces are deployed. MIS also follows up the development of armed forces worldwide and develops scenarios for the possible medium-term development of situations. As part of the organisation, the SPPAF deals with counter intelligence issues within the Swiss Armed Forces.

- The FIS and MIS&SPPAF activities are subject to continuous checks and are supervised by an independent supervisory authority, the Federal Council, the Swiss Parliament, and the Federal Administration.

- The independent supervisory authority (OA-IA) operates on the basis of the Intelligence Service Act (SR 121) and the Ordinance on the Supervision of Intelligence Activities (OSIA, SR 121.3) and is not bound by directions and guidance of the DDPS.

- The OA-IA , whose head is appointed by the Federal Council for a renewable period of six years, is responsible for monitoring the activities of the FIS, the cantonal authorities responsible for enforcement and third parties assigned mandates by the FIS. It shall audit these activities to confirm their legality, expediency and effectiveness. It coordinates its activities with the supervisory activities of Parliament and with the other federal and cantonal supervisory bodies. The unit sends its audit reports directly to the Head of the DDPS and publishes an annual report.

- Parliamentary oversight of the intelligence services is exercised by a sub-committee of the Control Committee of Parliament (CDel). Parliamentary oversight of the activities of the FIS and the cantonal executive authorities is the responsibility of the CDel and the Finance Delegation in accordance with Parliament Act of December 13, 2002.14 The sub-committee publishes an annual report on its findings but is not authorised to alter governmental decisions.

Police

Switzerland’s federal structure is also reflected in the organisation of policing responsibilities. According to Article 57 of the Federal Constitution (SR 101), both the Confederation and the Cantons are, within the limits of their respective competencies and by coordinating their efforts in the field of internal security, responsible for the security of the country and for the protection of the population.

According to Article 3 of the Federal Constitution (SR 101), the Cantons are sovereign unless their sovereignty is limited by the Federal Constitution. The Federal Constitution does not assign the exclusive policing security powers to the federal authorities. The policing powers are exercised by the Cantons which 14 https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2017/494/de#art_81

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are considered sovereign states within the Swiss Confederation. Law enforcement in Switzerland is therefore the responsibility of all 26 Cantons and the cantonal police forces. Additionally, some major cities have their own communal police forces. The 26 cantonal police forces and numerous communal police forces are not subordinated to the federal authorities. Their commanding officers report to the head of the respective cantonal or city department of police who is a member of the cantonal government or the municipality.

However, specific tasks have been transferred to federal level. Fedpol is responsible for safeguarding national security. This responsibility encompasses prosecution, particularly in connection with organised crime, the analysis and coordination of investigation procedures within the state borders as well as in international cases, investigations in cases of serious crimes involving organised crime including drug trafficking, money laundering, corruption, counterfeiting and economic crimes, investigation of suspected acts of terrorism, financing of terrorism, crimes connected with explosives, illegal intelligence activities, offences against the Federal Act on War Material (War Material Act, WMA SR 514.51), the Federal Act on Nuclear Energy, the Federal Act on the Control of Civil and Military Goods (SR 946.202), and the Federal Aviation Act (SR 748.0) and the analysis and coordination of inter-cantonal criminal investigations, the cooperation and information exchange with INTERPOL, Europol, PCCC and the Schengen framework and analysis in the areas of its competencies. Fedpol can also issue entry bans, decide on expulsions in order to preserve the internal or external security of Switzerland, issue limitations to outward departure from Swiss territory to prevent violence during foreign sports events and order the confiscation of materials containing propaganda inciting violence.

Fedpol, especially through the Federal Security Service, works with the cantonal authorities to ensure the security of federal officials and facilities, as well as people and buildings granted protection under international law. A variety of measures are implemented to protect heads of state and government, ministers, royalty, federal councillors, federal judges, federal officials at special risk and federal parliamentarians.

Police forces can be supported by the FOCBS as well as the railway police (part of the Swiss Federal Railways). In general, fedpol cooperates closely with cantonal police services in matters involving the Cantons.

On January 1, 2011, the Federal Criminal Procedure Code (CPC, SR 312.0) came into force. Criminal procedure in Switzerland as well as the competences of the police force at federal and cantonal level are now regulated by federal law. Until the end of 2010, each Canton had its own criminal procedure rules.

Private military and security companies

For the detailed information exchange on private military and security companies (PMSC) according to the Working Paper to Improve the Reporting on the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security (FSC.DEL/29/15), please refer to Annex II: Voluntary information on Private Military and Security Companies (PMSC).

2.2 How is the fulfilment of these procedures ensured, and which constitutionally established authorities/institutions are responsible for carrying out these procedures?

Democratic control of the Swiss Armed Forces and the police forces is ensured by their subordination in all respects to the democratically elected political authorities at both cantonal and/or federal level. Thus, the Swiss Armed Forces and the police forces are effectively controlled by the following democratically elected constitutional bodies:

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- the Federal Council (Government, accountable to the Federal Assembly); - the Federal Assembly (Parliament); - the respective cantonal government; - the respective cantonal parliament.

In addition, Swiss voters, who elect the members of Parliament, can also use the following constitutionally based direct democratic instruments:

- the popular initiative to amend the Federal Constitution; - the optional referendum to oppose an amendment to an existing law, or the adoption of a new law; - the mandatory referendum on constitutional amendments, accession to collective security or supranational organisations.

Accordingly, Swiss citizens can also use these instruments to intervene on security and defence policy matters.

The Government

The Federal Council is the Swiss government. Its seven members and the Federal Chancellor are elected by Parliament. Their term of office is four years and they may be re-elected. The Federal Council deals with the ongoing task of governing the country and implements the laws and other decisions adopted by Parliament. Each of the seven members of the Federal Council is head of one of the seven federal departments, which together with Federal Chancellery make up the Federal Administration, to which the Swiss Armed Forces belong. The Federal Council sets strategies and goals and then draws up the relevant draft legislation. The views of broad sections of the population and industry are gathered in a consultation process. The Federal Council then submits the proposal to Parliament, which debates and reaches decisions on it. The Federal Council also manages the Confederation's finances through the budget and the state accounts. The final decisions on these matters also rest with Parliament.

A concentration of power is avoided in the government; the members of the Federal Council are currently drawn from four political parties. Accordingly, the Federal Council takes decisions as a collegial body: the members seek consensus to win majority support for their policies. They are also expected to defend the position of the Federal Council, even if it is contrary to their personal view or that of their political party (principle of collegiality). In contrast to systems in other countries, there is no clear distinction between government and opposition.

In this context, the Federal Council sets the orientations and goals on all defence matters. Swiss Armed Forces guidelines, proposals for amendments to the Act on the Armed Forces, procurement and infrastructure requests are submitted to Parliament for approval (security policy reports are submitted to Parliament for acknowledgment). Deployments of the Swiss Armed Forces both within Switzerland and abroad are decided by the Federal Council. Major deployments are however subject to parliamentary approval: pursuant to Article 70 paragraph 2 of the Armed Forces Act (SR 510.10), approval by Parliament is required if more than 2'000 Swiss Armed Forces personnel are called up on national territory or if the mission is expected to last more than three weeks; pursuant to Article 66b paragraph 4 of the Armed Forces Act, this threshold is fixed at three weeks and 100 armed forces personnel for peace operation deployments outside the national territory.

Along with the DDPS, the FDFA and the FJDP are regularly and closely involved in the definition of security policy and the military and civil protection positions. The Security Committee of the Federal Council is composed of the heads of DDPS, FJDP and FDFA. It assesses the security-related situation for Switzerland and coordinates security-related matters of business across the Federal Departments.

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Parliament

The Federal Assembly comprises the National Council and the Council of States. The two Councils have equal powers; together they form the Federal Assembly. Parliament enacts legislation and monitors the activities of the Federal Council and the Federal Supreme Court. The main role of the Federal Assembly is to enact legislation. However, it is also responsible for releasing funding (budget), approving the state accounts, overseeing the Federal Council and the Federal Chancellery as well as the federal courts, concluding international agreements for which the Federal Council is not responsible and fostering relations with foreign parliaments.

Furthermore, the Federal Assembly Members can initiate a parliamentary initiative to propose that Parliament itself enacts a law – either by formulating the idea or even drafting the law itself. Using a "motion", council members can prompt the Federal Council into drafting legislation. A "postulate" is used to ask the Federal Council to examine whether a new law or decree should be drafted or measures taken, while an “interpellation” is a request to the Federal Council for information on Federal Government matters, including defence and security policy.

There are nine special committees, whose main task is to make a preliminary examination of legislative proposals. They are each responsible for a specific topic, such as transport, legal affairs, foreign affairs, and security policy. In addition, the finance committees and the control committees oversee the federal finances and activities of the Federal Council and the Federal Administration. Specifically, the committees provide an opportunity for matters to be discussed in greater detail, to clarify specific issues, hear experts from the administration or from interest groups concerned, and address questions to federal councillors. They also serve as a testing ground to see whether a majority can be found for certain positions or ideas across party lines.

The Security Policy Committees are inter alia responsible for the Swiss Armed Forces, internal and external security issues, military and civilian peace operations in the security policy field, as well as armament policy. Accordingly, they regularly receive information from the Federal Council on major security and defence policy topics. Also, the Security Policy Committees prepare plenary discussions on related Federal Council proposals to Parliament by recommending their approval or rejection to their respective chamber.

Cantonal Parliaments and Governments

Because police authority is exercised by the Cantons, democratic control over the police forces is exercised by the Cantonal Parliaments (legislature) and governments (executive). The specific procedures and responsible authorities / institutions for ensuring democratic political control over the police are established by cantonal law.

The electorate's political rights

All Swiss citizens from the age of 18 have the right to vote at national, cantonal and communal level. In addition to national parliamentary elections, which are held every four years, the electorate can express its views up to four times a year in popular votes on specific political issues, including security and defence policy matters. In most cases, there are several proposals to be voted on at each ballot. This makes the electorate Switzerland's supreme political body.

A vote must be held on any amendment to the Federal Constitution (mandatory referendum). Amendments to the Federal Constitution require the consent of a majority of the People and of the Cantons (double majority). On the other hand, a vote is only held on a revised or new law if a referendum is demanded

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(optional referendum). The new law is accepted if a majority of the people vote in favour of it (simple majority).

Accordingly, the Swiss citizens can have a final say on parts of the measures related to establishing, manning, funding and equipping the Swiss Armed Forces. However, the annual defence budget or the procurement programs are not per se subject to an optional referendum. By means of a popular initiative, Swiss citizens may even decide on fundamental questions, through constitutional amendment, i.e. whether Switzerland should have any armed forces at all.

Minister of Defence

The Head of the DDPS is an elected Federal Councillor. The federal councillor is politically responsible for the department’s activities and thus also for overall defence planning.

The DDPS is charged with the execution of all decisions related to matters of defence and civil protection adopted by the Federal Council. It is also responsible for preparing reports on security policy, defence guidelines, and the Federal Acts and ordinances concerning the Swiss Armed Forces and civil protection.

Minister of the Federal Department of Justice and Police

Like the minister of defence, the minister of justice and police is an elected Federal Councillor. The department portfolio includes the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ), fedpol, the SEM and the National Commission for the Prevention of Torture (NCPT). In her function, the minister of justice and police is responsible for the political and strategic orientation of those offices as well as for the development of their cooperation with foreign countries and international institutions.

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?

Military forces

Under Article 58 of the Federal Constitution and Article 1 of the Armed Forces Act (SR 510.10), the Swiss Armed Forces are tasked with defending the country and its people, supporting civilian authorities, safeguarding air sovereignty and contributing to international peace and stability.

The Swiss Armed Forces are based on the principle of universal conscription. The bulk of the Swiss Armed Forces units are temporarily activated on an annual basis for routine training activities and exercises after which they are again de-activated. The exceptions are the Military Police as well as regular military personnel or specific administrative positions and command functions for specialised technical functions or for instruction.

With the exception of limited-scale disaster relief activities in support of and under operational control of the civilian authorities, all operational activities, including the call-up of armed forces personnel outside the regular training schedule must be mandated by the Federal Council. Parliamentary approval is mandatory for major deployments or international exercices (see chapter 2.2 above).

Members of Parliament can draw attention to Swiss Armed Forces activities which in their view may be contrary to the Federal Constitution. Parliamentary approval is necessary for all government decisions concerning the role and stance of the Swiss Armed Forces, the defence budget as well as procurement programmes and new military infrastructure. Emphasising the individual accountability of all members of the Swiss Armed Forces, Article 32 paragraph

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3 of the Armed Forces Act stipulates that members of the Swiss Armed Forces must refuse to execute orders that are contrary to domestic or international law. Paramilitary forces

Switzerland has no paramilitary forces.

Security forces

Switzerland has no 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?

Military forces

Liability for compulsory military service is an integral part of universal conscription. It begins with recruitment. All male Swiss citizens are obliged to serve in the Swiss Armed Forces. The compulsory service encompasses all types of services (training service, assistance service and active service as well as some parts of the voluntary peace-support services) as well as off-duty obligations. Women may voluntarily apply for military service.

Since December 2005, the recruitment process within the armed forces has been ISO 9001:2000 certified in order to monitor and enhance its quality. Recruitment procedures are defined in the Federal Council Ordinance on Military Service Liability of November 22, 2017 (SR 512.21). Recruitment must be completed at the earliest from the beginning of the 19th year of age and at least by the end of the year in which the 24th year of age is reached. Recruitment is the responsibility of the Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces. The Swiss Armed Forces Personnel division, inside the Training and Education Command (TEC), is responsible for recruitment and determines the number of recruits required for the various functions and branches. The Medical Services division is subordinated to the Armed Forces Logistics Organisation (AFLO) and is responsible for medical doctrine and the medical guidelines for recruitment.

Since 2003, conscription begins with the registration of conscripts at the age of eighteen. Prior to recruitment, all male conscripts are called-up for a mandatory information day and interested women are also invited. Recruitment also includes a written orientation to all future conscripts and women at the age of seventeen. In January 2025, the Federal Council has decided to introduce a compulsory orientation day for female citizen. This improves equal opportunities and possibly more women will decide to serve thanks to more in-depth information. An amendment to the Federal Constitution is required for this compulsory orientation day for women. The Federal Council has instructed the DDPS to submit a consultation draft by the end of 2025. Recruitment also includes a written orientation to all future conscripts and women at the age of seventeen. The actual recruitment, starting at the age of nineteen, is organised at a federal level at 6 permanent recruitment centres under the supervision of the Recruitment Command. Recruitment takes place between 12 months at the earliest and 3 months at the latest before the intended start of basic training and lasts up to 3 days. These recruitment days count towards the number of days that a conscript fit for military service must complete. The main purpose of this recruitment is to register the physical, psychological, intellectual and professional potential in a performance profile. For the assignment to the Swiss Armed Forces, the performance profile is compared with the requirement profile. At this stage, it is determined whether the conscript may serve as a single-term conscript or not (as opposed to a conscript that completes recruit school and subsequently attends annual refresher courses). Moreover, the potential for, and the interest in a cadre function as an officer or a non-commissioned officer (NCO) is

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also evaluated. On the same occasion, it is determined whether conscripts who are not fit for military service can serve within the framework of civil protection, which does not count as liability to military service. As part of the ongoing development of the Swiss Armed Forces, these procedures will be analysed, overhauled and adapted to current requirements and needs.

The Recruitment Command:

- manages recruitment at Swiss Armed Forces level at 6 permanent recruitment centres; - evaluates the requirement profile for the roughly 270 functions in the Swiss Armed Forces; - supervises the conduct of the roughly 5,000 aptitude tests and about 500 technical examinations; - conducts the evaluation of the potential candidates for a cadre function for the following levels: - cadre level I: for NCOs - cadre level II: for senior NCOs or subaltern officers - cadre level III: for unit commanders (captains) - cadre level IV: for battalion commanders (LTC) and GS officers - cadre level Z: for contracted military personnel (conscript officers and NCOs contracted for a limited time period); - co-operates with 26 cantonal military authorities; - deals with requests for military service without weapons for conscientious objectors.

For the organisation of recruitment, the Recruitment Command is supported by the following offices:

- Six permanent recruitment centres. - The military authorities of the Cantons and the regional command in charge are responsible for registering, enrolling and informing the conscripts prior to recruitment. They are also responsible for the organisation of the information day prior to recruitment and for the call-up for recruitment. - The Medical Services division in the Armed Forces Logistics Organisation (AFLO) is responsible for military medical examinations. It nominates the chief physician in charge, his deputy and the medical personnel supporting the Recruitment Command and the recruitment centres. - The Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO) conducts physical performance tests within the framework of the recruitment days.

Male recruits who are fit for military shall complete the basic military training (recruit school) at the earliest from the beginning of their 19th year of age and at the latest in the year in which they reach the age of 25. The time depends on the needs of the Armed Forces. The wishes of conscripts shall be taken into account as far as possible. Finally the call-up is given via a personal marching order, which contains information on the date, time and location. According to the Federal Council Ordinance on Military Service Liability (SR 512.21) recruit school lasts 18 weeks for the conscripts over all branches and 23 weeks for land forces grenadiers and parachute reconnaissance. Recruit schools have 2 starting dates: January and June. Starting in 2027, the starting date of the recruit school in summer will be moved back from June to August, to improve the compatibility of the Military Service and educational / professional commitments of the conscripts. All conscripts may request additional leave days for professional purposes (e.g. job interviews, university applications, etc.). In exceptional cases, students can complete the recruit school in 2 parts.

According to the Federal Council Ordinance on Military Service Liability, some of the conscript soldiers (maximum 15% of all conscripts per year) have the opportunity to fulfil their entire compulsory service of 300 days (for sergeants 507 days, for senior NCOs as well as for subaltern officers 668 days) in one single term (single-term conscripts). In principle, the number of service days for conscripts in refresher courses and for single-term conscripts is equal. The additional days to be accomplished by single-term conscripts compensate for their advantages of supplementary leave days. After the completion of the compulsory service days, single-term conscripts normally remain in units of the Swiss Armed Forces for another 4 years. After these 4 years they are discharged from Swiss Armed Forces but still remain in compulsory military service for another 3 years before being permanently discharged.

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The Swiss Armed Forces Personnel section is authorised to grant postponement of recruit school on request, for family, professional or educational reasons.

At the end of the recruit school, the newly trained soldiers are assigned to units of the Swiss Armed Forces. They are then called up annually by personal marching order for refresher courses until they have completed their total number of compulsory service days.

Since January 1, 2018, an alarm can be sent to several specifically selected units by electronic means. This allows a quick call up in the case of a major event or catastrophe.

As a rule, the marching order has to be sent to the person liable for military service at least 6 weeks before service starts. In addition, the refresher courses’ agenda for the forthcoming year is always published by means of a poster on the public information board in every town and village in Switzerland in autumn every year. For persons liable for military service, this public poster is in itself equivalent to a marching order and obliges them (and their employers) to adjust their civilian activities.

Since 2006, each person liable for military service receives an announcement at least 20 weeks before service. Anyone who fails to respond to a public call-up or marching order without being excused is reported to the military justice authorities for prosecution. Dismissal from civilian employment is null and void during a period of military service. If the term of service exceeds 11 days, dismissal within 4 weeks before and after service is also null and void. In addition, service personnel have a legal claim to a compensatory payment for loss of income.

Paramilitary forces

Switzerland has no paramilitary forces.

Security forces

Switzerland has no internal security forces.

3.2 What kind of exemptions or alternatives to military service does your State have?

Exemptions

The following groups are exempt from military service for the duration of their tenure or employment (between March 1, 2024 and March 1, 2025 a total of 5'420 people):

- members of Parliament and of the Federal Council; - the clergy, unless they serve voluntarily as chaplains in the Swiss Armed Forces; - essential personnel in the health services; - professional personnel in the rescue services, fire brigades and police; - border guards; - postal staff and staff of transport companies with a federal concession; - persons employed in those parts of the administration that are in extraordinary situations making them responsible for general defence.

Exemptions are only possible after basic military training has been completed.

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Alternatives to compulsory military service

Service duties are fulfilled by completing compulsory military service, civil defence or alternative civilian service. Male conscripts who do neither military nor civilian service have to carry out civil protection duties and are required to pay a contribution (compensatory military contribution) as compensation for the military service which they have not performed.

Since 1996, conscientious objector conscripts who feel unable to serve in the Swiss Armed Forces may be assigned to alternative civilian service. This service is performed outside the Swiss Armed Forces in civilian institutions. The conscientious objectors serve civilian purposes and are assigned to duties of public interest. They are mainly employed in the following fields: health and social services, nature conservation and environmental protection, forestry and agriculture, development cooperation and humanitarian aid. The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) is responsible for civilian service issues; its Federal Office for Civilian Service decides whether a candidate is to be accepted or not.

Civilian service duty lasts 50% longer than regular military service.

In 2024, 9'693 applications for assignment to civilian service were submitted (2023: 9’576, 2022: 9’218, 2021: 8'239, 2020: 6'961, 2019: 8’342). In 2024, 6’801 applications were approved and 2’513 rejected (2023: 6’754 approved, 2650 rejected, 2022: 6'635 approved, 2'371 rejected, 2021: 6'148 approved, 1'820 rejected, 2020: 5’254 approved, 1’844 rejected; 2019: 6’088 approved, 2’123 rejected). In 2024, 27’142 persons liable to military service performed civilian service (in 2023: 22’614, 2022: 21'119, 2021: 20'266, 2020: 19’689, 2019: 19’315). During the pandemic situation because of COVID-19 there were around 4’000 persons per week performing civilian service. Most of them were ordinary services in the health and social services sector. As of the end of 2024, a total of 59’456 people were liable to perform civilian service (2023: 58’195, 2022: 56'521, 2021: 55'095, 2020: 53’748, 2019: 52’983). 0.1% of these were women (82).

Since April 1, 2009, there are new regulations in the admission procedure for civilian service: those wishing to perform civilian service are no longer required to submit detailed evidence of their conscientious objection to military service. Readiness to undertake civilian service is regarded as sufficient proof for conscientious objection. Due to the new rules, the number of candidates for civilian service has risen considerably. On February 1, 2011, new regulations were introduced at ordinance level. A delay of reflection and confirmation of the application before the admission was established. In July 2016, new regulations about the procedure for admission were introduced at act and ordinance level. Candidates for civilian service can submit their application online on the website of the Federal Office for Civilian Service and have to visit an introductory course before admission. Since January 1, 2018, there are new regulations about the dismissal of persons who were liable to civilian service.

Legal status, rights of appeal, remuneration, grounds for exemption and penalties for breaches of duty largely correspond to those that apply to persons performing military service. Only the civilian criminal courts have jurisdiction, and not the military courts. There is a right of appeal to the Federal Administrative Court against all decisions made by the Federal Office for Civilian Service. Persons performing civilian service may contact the Federal Office for Civilian Service at any time if they have a grievance against the employing enterprises. The Federal Office for Civilian Service conducts inspections of the employing enterprises to ensure that the civilian service projects are being carried out properly.

Laws or other relevant documents regulating exemptions or alternatives to compulsory military service:

- Armed Forces (SR 510.10), particularly articles 2, 17, 18 and 145; - Federal Act on Community Services of 6 October 1995 (SR 824.0). -

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3.3 What are the legal and administrative procedures to protect the rights of all forces personnel as well as conscripts?

Principles on the legal status of military personnel

Article 58 of the Federal Constitution (SR 101) stipulates: “Switzerland has Armed Forces. They are primarily organised according to the principle of a militia15.” Military personnel continue to be entitled to their constitutional and fundamental rights during military service. This applies, in particular, to the protection of privacy, freedom of religion and conscience, the right to freely express one’s opinion as well as to exercise one’s political rights. However, basic rights and freedoms may be restricted as far as it is necessary to guarantee an undisturbed course of military service. Members of the Swiss Armed Forces may express their opinion freely. This also includes opinions about the Swiss Armed Forces and military service. But the freedom of expression must not prevent tasks from being carried out, nor interfere with the rules of obedience, discipline, team spirit and service operation. On the other hand, it is forbidden for members of the Swiss Armed Forces, when in service and while wearing the uniform, to organise or participate in political meetings, declarations, propaganda, or collect signatures for political purposes. The Swiss Armed Forces Act and the Service Regulation of the Swiss Armed Forces provide the legal basis for these restrictions.

List of rights of military personnel16

Protection of privacy Right for respect of one’s personality and to the greatest possible preservation of one’s personal sphere Right to information Right to regular information on security and military policy issues Counselling and care Military personnel requiring help are given pastoral, medical, psychological and social advice and support Right to military pay, board and lodging Special privileges are: as well as special privileges - no postal charges during service - free public transportation during service Military insurance Right of compensation from military insurance in the event of accident or illness in the context of military service Compensation for loss of income Right of compensation for loss of income due to military services Suspension of debt enforcement Article 57 of the Swiss Federal Law on Debt Enforcement proceedings during service and Bankruptcy of 11 April 1889 (SR 281.1) Protection against abusive dismissal Article 336 para. 1 let. e of the Swiss Code of Obligations from employment (SR 210) Protection against untimely dismissal Article 336c para. 1 lit. a of the Swiss Code of Obligations from employment (SR 210) (cf. above section 3.1) Right of complaint / legal assistance Right of proceedings within an order of law to protect the

15 Under Article 59 of the Federal Constitution, Swiss men are required to perform military service. All those who are fit for

service fulfil their service obligation as part-time soldiers in the Armed Forces. Their service relies on "the militia system", which is based on universal conscription. Conscripts, including prospective NCOs and officers, undergo basic military training, after which all military personnel serve in units which are temporarily activated for three weeks each year for training purposes. These units can also be temporarily activated to support the civilian authorities in emergency situations or for national defence purposes. Participation in peace operations is voluntary. The term "militia system" is also used in Switzerland to describe other forms of part-time public service, e.g., in the fire brigade or in local or national politics. In a military context, terms such as "militia unit" or "militia officer" are used to distinguish non- standing units and part-time personnel from their professional counterparts. "Militia" in a Swiss military context is not to be confused with irregular, non-constitutional or paramilitary groups. 16 Service Regulation of the Armed Forces, articles 93-101.

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individual against unlawful administration or against abuse of power by the administration or a military superior, and a compulsory defence counsel in the case of a trial before a military court

List of decrees relating to legal assistance of military personnel

Issue Regulation of process / List of decrees Service complaint procedure Articles 36-40 of the Armed Forces Act(SR 510.10) and Service complaint of Swiss Armed Forces Sections 102-109 of the Service Regulation of the Armed personnel is permitted: Forces (SR 510.107.0) - against orders of military superiors - against certain directives of military authorities (e. g. decisions on conscription and promotion) - in all cases where Swiss Armed Forces personnel consider themselves unjustly treated Legal administrative proceedings Article 40 of the Armed Forces Act, the Federal on Legal assistance for certain non-monetary Administrative Procedure of 20 December 1968 (SR issues such as: 172.021) and the Federal Law on the Federal Administrative - Decisions on expulsion from the Swiss Court of 17 June 2005 (SR 173.32) Armed Forces - Decisions on exemption from service Personal talk or confidential hearing with Section 103 Service Regulations of the Armed Forces (SR the commanding officer 510.107.0) Complaint against assessment of military Article 39 of the Swiss Federal Law on the Armed Forces fitness and the Military Administration (SR 510.10) Reconsideration of decisions regarding Article 38 of the Armed Forces Act (SR 510.10) - service postponements - advance services - voluntary services - dispensation from active service Means to contest a disciplinary penalty Articles 180 ff of the Military Criminal Code of 13 June (disciplinary appeal) 1927 (MCC SR 321.0) Means and proceedings for dealing with Military Criminal Code of 13 June 1927 (MCC SR 321.0), penal cases Federal Law on Military Criminal Procedure of 23 March 1979 (MCPA SR 322.1) and the Regulation on Military Criminal Judicature of 24 October 1979 (MCJO) (SR 322.2)

The Military Criminal Code in its second book provides a list of sanctions, which includes detention from 1 to 10 days and disciplinary fines of up to CHF 500 during military service and up to CHF 1'000 between military service periods.

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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?

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) / the Law Of Armed Conflict (LOAC) is fully integrated in the Swiss Service Regulation of the Armed Forces (SR 510.107.0) and reflected in the Swiss Criminal Code (SO 311.0), in the Military Criminal Code (MCC SR 321.0) as well as in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (SR 0.312.1), which penalise war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. A major effort has been made to introduce the most important concepts into general military manuals on conduct and tactics. An instruction leaflet for all members of the Swiss Armed Forces has been issued in 4 languages (German, French, Italian and English) and is distributed by unit commanders. Specialised manuals providing an overview of the legal framework for all missions of the Swiss Armed Forces, including an introduction to human rights and IHL have been published in German, French and Italian and have been distributed to all active officers and senior non-commissioned officers since 2005/2006. Swiss Armed Forces personnel are educated in the LOAC during basic training (recruit school) and in all military cadre schools.

The Swiss Armed Forces Staff has its own legal unit which is, amongst other things, tasked with ensuring the application of IHL in the Swiss Armed Forces as well as providing IHL training to members of the Swiss Armed Forces. They provide tailored IHL-training and exercises for specific branched and functions within the Armed Forces.

- Basic training includes: basic knowledge of the Geneva and Hague Conventions including Additional Protocols I - III (laws and customs of war and corresponding behaviour). All soldiers are instructed by using the e-learning tool online on the Learning Management System (LMS) of the Swiss Armed Forces. The e-learning tool "LOAC I" contains an introductory theory and a recently launched serious game. The theoretical knowledge is further put into practice during combat training exercises. - NCO schools: Repetition and consolidation of knowledge gained during basic training, responsibilities of a group/squad leader. - Prospective company commanders are trained in the LOAC and in the rules concerning the protection of cultural property (incl. interactive training with an e-learning tool on commanders’ responsibilities). - LOAC is part of the curriculum of the Swiss Armed Forces Training Centre (all courses for commanders and Staff Officers), the Swiss Military Academy and of schools and courses for legal advisors. - Legal advisors attend the Military Course on International Humanitarian Law at the San Remo Institute. - Peace operations: Members of the Swiss Armed Forces participating in peace operations receive instructions on the law relevant to their mission and on specific rules of engagement.

Information on LOAC will continue to be given to a wider public through the Learning Management System (LMS). The LOAC-website of the Armed Forces Staff is available in French and German under the following link.17 The website on IHL of the FDFA is available under the following link.18

An e-learning tool on IHL, legal aspects of PO and human rights is available online on the Partnership for Peace Consortium, Advanced Learning Management Services (PfPC LMS,19 ‘FDFA-DDPS IHL Course’). 17 https://www.vtg.admin.ch/de/loac-icmm-internationaler-kurs-uber-kriegsvolkerrecht 18 https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/foreign-policy/international-law/international-humanitarian-law.html 19 https://jadl.act.nato.int/

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Switzerland offers a variety of courses on the LOAC to NATO and EAPC/PfP Partner nations (Courses on LOAC and Military Medical Ethics (MME) for military medical, medico-legal personnel and chaplains held by the Medical Services of the Armed Forces Logistics Organisation as mandated by the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM) to Switzerland, course CENTROC alternating with an IHL content for middle-rank officers in Geneva, workshop on the OSCE Code of Conduct). In all those courses, LOAC is an important subject. Switzerland also works with the Sanremo Institute of International Humanitarian Law (IIHL) by providing financial assistance and teaching staff. From time to time, Switzerland also offers support as Host Nation for other IHL activities with third parties (such as, for example, the Senior Workshop on International Rules Governing Military Operations, which is run by the ICRC). Switzerland also supported several courses on IHL at the GCSP’s Security and Law Programme, for instance the Symposium for Senior NATO/PfP Legal Advisors (SSL) or the courses on “Air and Missile Warfare: Navigating the Legal Dimension (Advanced AMPLE)”, “Legal Dimensions of Contemporary and Future Use of Force” and “Weapons Law and the Legal Review of Weapons”.

In 2018, Switzerland published an updated version of its “ABC of International Humanitarian Law”. This publication is essentially a glossary of terms explaining the key concepts of international humanitarian law. The publication is available online and in brochure form in several languages.20

The Interdepartmental Committee for International Humanitarian Law (ICIHL) is tasked with the exchange of experiences and information on IHL within the Administration and its implementation in Switzerland. It ensures optimum coordination among the federal authorities and maintains relations with the scientific community, civil society, and other organisations concerned with IHL, such as the ICRC and the Swiss Red Cross. The ICIHL supports the ICRC with its annual update of its study on customary international humanitarian law. The ICIHL also compiles new declarations, legal texts, and judgments that have been issued in Switzerland. In 2020, the ICIHL prepared a Voluntary report on the implementation of IHL which was approved by the Federal Council on August 12, 2020.The voluntary report provides an overview of IHL implementation by Switzerland. The report, divided into seven sections, looks at the most prominent examples of good practice in this regard and the issues at stake, covering the following key topics: specific protection, rules governing the means and methods of warfare, prosecuting serious violations of IHL, IHL dissemination and training, support for IHL implementation, other measures to ensure respect for IHL21.

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?

All members of the Swiss Armed Forces receive rank specific instructions on the LOAC throughout their military training. They are fully aware of their obligations, duties, and their individual accountability. During instruction, special attention is placed on command responsibility and its current development.

Mission oriented ROE (Rules of Engagement) are reviewed during the instruction sequence preceding a mission. Pocket cards reminding each member of deployed units of the characteristics of a mission and its specific ROE are handed out.

During active service, all Swiss Armed Forces personnel make a commitment by oath or vow to observe the LOAC.

In addition to individual accountability, future career military officers receive an in depth training on commander’s responsibility during their one week course in operational law.

20 https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/services-and-publications/publications/alle- publikationen.html/content/publikationen/en/eda/reihe-glossare-der-aussenpolitik/abc-des-humanitaeren-voelkerrechts 21https://www.eda.admin.ch/dam/eda/en/documents/aussenpolitik/voelkerrecht/20200812-HVR-Bericht_EN.pdf

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4.3 How does your State ensure that the 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?

All Swiss Armed Forces deployments are subject to the provisions of the Armed Forces Act and, with the exception of very minor deployments, require parliamentary approval. Additionally, the open and free media, as well as the fact that the Swiss Armed Forces are organised on the basis of the principle of universal conscription, contribute to openness about deployments, which is a further element that prevents Swiss Armed Forces deployments that might limit the exercise of human and political rights. Human rights are also taught to Swiss Armed Forces personnel during basic training and in the context of specialised courses. In the case of Swiss Armed Forces deployment as support to the civilian authorities, the latter monitor the subsidiary deployment’s legality and legitimacy. Swiss Armed Forces personnel are – even in such cases – employed primarily on guarding and protection duties, freeing up police forces for duties where the risk of confrontation is higher.

4.4 What has been done to allow individual service members to exercise their civil rights and how does your State ensure that the country’s armed forces are politically neutral?

Generally, members of the Swiss Armed Forces have the same rights and obligations as citizens (see also 3.3).

These rights are guaranteed in Article 28 of the Armed Forces Act and in Section 93 – 99 Service Regulation of the Armed Forces (SR 510.107.0). Conscripts who declare that military service is not compatible with their conscience can do alternative civilian service (see also 3.2).

Under the Federal Constitution and the Armed Forces Act, the Swiss Armed Forces are subordinate to the civilian authorities. Their highest executive body is the Federal Council, which is governed by decisions that are taken by Parliament in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the law.

4.5 How does your State ensure that its defence policy and doctrine are consistent with international law?

As established in the Federal Constitution, federal authorities have to respect international law. This also applies to the Swiss Armed Forces. Their defence policy and doctrine are regularly evaluated with regard to its consistency with international law. Furthermore, by stipulating in the Federal Constitution that “the armed forces serve to prevent war and to maintain peace”, Switzerland reflects international law principles such as the prohibition of threat or use of force in international relations (UN Charter, Article 2 al. 4) or the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means (UN Charter, Article 2 al. 3).

On the implementation of international humanitarian law, see above Chapters 4.1 and 4.2. Further, an open public debate, the requirement for parliamentary approval for the Swiss Armed Forces budget and major acquisitions as well as operations, and the requirement of a UN or an OSCE mandate for peace operations help ensure that defence policy and doctrine are in accordance with international law. This is reinforced by Switzerland’s neutrality and practice of restraint regarding military participation in operations outside Switzerland.

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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?

Switzerland published the “Commemorative Study: 20 Years of OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico- Military Aspects of Security”: This publication pays tribute to the unique and remarkable history, development, achievements and outreach of OSCE’s key document for the democratic control of the armed forces and the security sector. It is available on the OSCE-website for free.22

The Code of Conduct is an integral part of the Military Academy curricula at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich. Equally, the ETH runs its own OSCE internet site where the Code of Conduct is one of the central themes. In addition, the website of Parliament, an official information site specially designed to provide information to the Swiss population, also refers to the Code of Conduct.

1.2 What additional information related to the Code of Conduct, such as replies to the questionnaire on the Code of Conduct, is made publicly available in your State?

The Code of Conduct and its provisions are selectively taught in Swiss Armed Forces officers’ schools. Due to the Swiss conscript system, where almost all soldiers are at the same time civilian citizens, this ensures a very wide dissemination of the provisions of the Code of Conduct among the Swiss population.

Furthermore, organisations and think tanks that are Swiss-based and partly funded by the Swiss government, such as the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) or the Centre for Security Studies (CSS) of ETH, regularly publish research on the Code of Conduct.

Finally, the Code of Conduct is mentioned on the internet site of the Swiss Verification Unit, which deals with the obligations derived from numerous international regimes and treaties in the area of arms control and disarmament.

1.3 How does your State ensure public access to information related to your State’s Armed Forces?

Public access to information on the Swiss Armed Forces is guaranteed, first of all by the fact that all politically or legally relevant documents and decisions are published on the internet and thus accessible to the general public under the following link.23 Because the Swiss Armed Forces are organised as a conscript Armed Forces, a large percentage of male citizens (and some women) are regularly present in the Swiss Armed Forces. This further ensures regular dissemination. Beyond that, the Federal Council and the DDPS regularly inform the public on all issues relevant to security policy and the military role and stance. Additionally, the Federal Act on Freedom of Information in the Administration (Freedom of Information Act, FoIA, SR 155.3) contributes towards transparency and thus towards the democratic control of the Swiss Armed Forces. This law allows anyone to request access to the administration’s documents. This request can only be refused for specific reasons such as:

- The documents relate to a political or administrative decision that has not yet been taken; - The request concerns documents that are still being discussed or considered. 22 https://www.osce.org/cio/128961 23 https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/de/cc?news_period=last_day&news_pageNb=1&news_order=desc&news_itemsPer Page=10

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In addition, access to documents can be refused, in case it would endanger internal or external security, foreign policy interests or Switzerland’s international relations, the concrete application of an administrative decision, the economic or monetary policy of the country or the free formation of the administration’s opinion or will.

2. Contact information

2.1 Provide information on the national point of contact for the implementation of the Code of Conduct.

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS Swiss Armed Forces Armed Forces Staff International Relations Defence Swiss Verification Unit

Mail: Papiermühlestrasse 20, CH-3003 Berne +41 58 464 91 95 (phone) verifikation.astab@vtg.admin.ch

2.2 Any other information Switzerland is committed to raising awareness of the “OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security” and ensuring that it is better implemented. In 2024 and 2025, the following events and projects were realised:

- The CoC Conceptual Workshop took place in February 2025 in Bern. The goal of the event was to review the last years' Code of Conduct activities, to exchange views on recent developments and experiences linked to the CoC and the co-ordinations and alignment of the various CoC activities envisaged for 2025 and 2026. This year was special in that the outgoing OSCE chair (Malta), the current OSCE chair (Finland) and the incoming OSCE chair (Switzerland), as well as the 2025 Chairs of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation, Estonia and Finland, took part in the workshop and were thus able to coordinate and exchange experiences. The Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) gave a presentation on the CoC and the emerging security challenges. DCAF mentioned that before thinking of additional information exchanges there needs to be a thorough analysis of what has already been reported on.

Previously, Switzerland, working mainly with Austria and Germany, co-organised and co-sponsored seminars in Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Ukraine, Latvia, Malta, Mongolia, Tunisia, Serbia, Montenegro, the USA, Romania and Germany.

Every year, Switzerland invites like-minded OSCE participating states to the “Conceptual and Planning Workshop on the Activities related to the OSCE Code of Conduct” in Bern, during which the schedule of activities for the current and the following year are planned.

With the translation of the OSCE Code of Conduct into Arabic, Germany and Switzerland hope to increase awareness of democratic control of the Armed Forces and IHL among the member states of the Arab League and in Northern Africa.

In addition, Switzerland seconds a support officer to the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre in order to

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facilitate the work of the Forum for Security Co-operation regarding the implementation of and general activities related to the OSCE Code of Conduct. This secondment has been extended until further notice. Switzerland remains strongly committed to supporting multilateral or bilateral activities or assistance on the OSCE Code of Conduct with the aim of further raising awareness by fostering the universalisation of this cross-dimensional, norm-setting document, improving its implementation within the OSCE and actively promoting its outreach beyond the OSCE area.

******

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Annex I: Voluntary information regarding implementation of the UNSCR 1325 (FSC.DEC/5/11 (Annex))

I: Prevention

1. Measures to increase armed forces personnel’s understanding of the special needs and contributions of women in conflict.

Inclusion of specific matters related to the protection of women’s rights in the basic education of Armed Forces.

Diversity management is a management tool used by the Federal Office of Personnel (Women in the Armed Forces and Diversity) to integrate the needs of the different stakeholders (gender, sexual orientation, language balance and age groups, as well as the protection of women’s rights). According to a decision from the Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces concerning the handling of diversity management, all members of the Swiss Armed Forces (professional personnel and conscripts) are to be trained in these matters.

Availability of specialised in-service training for armed forces personnel on the protection of women’s rights.

Training courses on matters of equal opportunity, gender, issues relating to discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, and harassment, as well as bullying are compulsory for all Swiss Armed Forces cadres. Sexual harassment is a priority. The aim is to sensitise the cadres and teach them how to deal with it properly.

Inclusion of specific matters related to the protection of women’s rights in pre-deployment training for international peacekeeping missions.

Within the Swiss Armed Forces, the Swiss Armed Forces International Command (SWISSINT) is responsible for the planning and management, recruitment, support and control, and training of all military contingents and individuals engaged in peace-support operations abroad. Generally, all pre-deployment courses cover training on gender related issues. In gender specific training, the SWISSINT Training Centre (TC) has two different approaches to pre-deployment training: one for a domestic audience (KFOR and EUFOR) and another for an international audience (Military Experts on Mission [UNMEM]).] and Military Staff Officers [MSO]). In training, the main focus lies in aspects related to UN Res 1325 as well as on sexual exploitation and abuse issues (SEA) with which a national contingent may have to deal. Training is consistent with the UNDPO guidelines as the international Swiss Military Experts on Mission Course is a UN certified course.

Availability of plans to address and gather information from local women in areas at risk of conflict.

Gathering of information from the local female population is covered by the individual information collection programme of the respective missions, in which Swiss Armed Forces military personnel (often female) are deployed (e.g. KFOR incl. GENAD KFOR Position in alternation with AUT, EUFOR- ALTHEA, UNTSO, UNMISS, MONUSCO, UNMOGIP).

Inclusion of systematic gender analysis of areas at risk of conflict, including gender-disaggregated socio- economic indicators and power over resources and decision making.

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One main focus of any peace support mission is the assessment of the local security situation. Therefore, information gathered is generally reported to the respective HQ. This includes, if available, the analysis of gender related issues. The subsequent reports are not disclosed to the national HQs of the troop contributing countries, but to UN DPO, NATO HQ (SHAPE) or the EUSG.

2. Measures to address the violation of the rights of women, in line with international standards

Complementary to pre-deployment training, various guidelines and SOPs of the specific mission contain regulations and measures to respect human rights and protect women’s rights. They also address in the missions defined measures to be implemented in case of the violation of the right of women.

II: Participation

1. Measures to increase the number of women in general and involved in decision-making positions in the armed forces and the ministry of defence. UN Charter

Number and percentage of women to apply to be part of the military forces.

Roughly 2,8 % of the regular military personnel and 1.7 % of the conscripts are women. These low proportions are due to the fact that under the Federal Constitution, military service is not compulsory for female Swiss citizens. However, as members of the Swiss Armed Forces, their civilian skills can be used and enhanced. Once they have successfully passed through the recruitment process, female Swiss Armed Forces personnel commit themselves to fulfilling their service duties as laid down by current legislation. They can attain the same ranks and fulfil the same functions in the Swiss Armed Forces as their male counterparts.

Young women can apply to be called up as recruits from the age of 18. They must have attended recruit school by the time they are 25. The Federal Council may provide that recruitment may also be completed at a later date, provided that within the age limits for compulsory military service the compulsory training service can still be fulfilled. The later completion requires the consent of the persons concerned. This is possible for Swiss nationals who have not been called up for recruitment by the end of the year in which they reach the age of 24, or whose fitness for service has not been definitively decided by that time. Thereafter, female Swiss Armed Forces personnel carry out the same duties as their male colleagues. Servicemen and servicewomen receive identical training. Moreover, servicewomen are equipped with the same personal weapons as their male counterparts holding the same functions. They are also fully trained on all the weapons held by the unit.

14.7 % of the employees in the ministry of defence are women. Most of these women work in civilian functions.

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Number and percentage of women in the military forces disaggregated by rank. Effective strength 1 March 2025 Women Rank structure Rank category J N R Total Officers Senior staff officers 0 1 1 Staff officers 12 73 6 91 Captains 177 7 184 Subaltern officers 441 5 446 Officers total 12 692 18 722 NCOs Senior NCOs 226 226 Junior NCOs 707 23 730 NCOs total 933 23 956 Junior ranks Privates total 830 44 874 Overall 12 2455 85 2552

J General staff officer N Officer R Member of the red cross service Establishment of policies to attract female candidates (Targeted campaigns, review of accession tests, etc.).

At the age of seventeen, male future conscripts and Swiss women receive a booklet on the Swiss Armed Forces. Conscription begins with the registration of conscripts for recruitment at the age of eighteen. Prior to recruitment, all male conscripts are called-up to an information day. Interested Swiss women are also invited to attend.

Upon completion of the recruitment process and the fulfilment of the physical requirements for the chosen function, all functions are open to Swiss women in the Swiss Armed Forces.

In order to increase the number of women in the Armed Forces, a new office for "Women in the armed forces and Diversity" was established at DDPS. On January 3, 2022, it went operational. Its main tasks are to plan and implement measures to increase the proportion of women and promote the inclusion of minorities in the armed forces. To achieve these goals, a "inclusive diversity strategy for the armed forces, peacekeeping personnel and the civilian military administration" was developed containing a plan of action with specific measures. These include, among others, awareness training for higher staff officers and regularly conducted and published surveys on gender-based violence and discrimination within the Swiss Armed Forces. The Office operates a reporting and counselling center tailored to gender and diversity enquiries for all members of the Swiss Armed Forces (professional personnel, conscripts and employees in civilian functions). It also assists and advises all members of the Swiss Armed Forces and comprises the four following domains:

- "Coordination and Cooperation": work towards enhancing the collaboration inside and outside of the armed forces; - "Research and Scientific Foundations"; - "Training and awareness-raising” related to diversity and inclusion within the Swiss Armed Forces; - Consultation and reporting service "Women in the Armed Forces" composed of women who address the issues faced by women in the Swiss Armed Forces; - The former "Armed Forces Diversity" office is integrated to the "Women in the Armed Forces and Diversity" office. It remains available to all members of the Swiss Armed Forces.

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In addition a number of measures have been implemented to increase the number of women in the ministry of defence: • Create more part-time positions; • Formulate job advertisements in a target group-specific and realistic way. In doing so, those terms which women find particularly attractive should be prominently mentioned; • Target job advertisements to recruitment channels that are increasingly used by women; • Focus personnel marketing on the positive internal view and externalise characteristics that are particularly important for women. • Optimise management culture with a range of measures: raising awareness through workshops such as culture workshops or in collaboration with the University of St. Gallen.

Roughly half of the women serving in the Swiss Armed Forces opt for progressive training. This means that it is no longer a rarity for female cadre personnel to command squads, platoons, companies or even battalions.

Number and percentage of discrimination and sexual harassment complaints that are referred, investigated and acted upon.

The Military Justice opened in 2024 investigations in fifteen cases with sexual harassment.

2. Measures to increase the number of women in peacekeeping contingents

Upon request of the Head of DDPS, on November 9, 2020, the DDPS has produced a report on the future development of military peace support which contains eight recommendations aiming at increasing the contribution of Switzerland in this area. On November 25, 2020, the Federal Council formally took note of this report and decided that the Swiss contribution to military peace support shall be further developed accordingly.

After revising the legislation in 2023, the DDPS introduced a special international curriculum enabling women to complete regular training as an officer and to subsequently be deployed on several UN missions without any obligation to remain in the armed forces afterwards. This regulation entered in place on January 1, 2023.

Women who have not undergone military basic training in a recruit school can serve in military peace support missions after undergoing a basic training followed by a mission specific pre-deployment training. However, this approach cannot be pursued for postings which require the skills of a fully trained military officer. This is particularly the case for postings in international headquarters and positions as United Nations Military Expert on Mission where a broader level of military skills is required. Consequently, only female officers who have volunteered to pursue the full military training curriculum and who have volunteered to remain in the Swiss Armed Forces once they have completed a voluntary tour in a peacekeeping mission, are eligible for officers’ functions in UN missions. Given the small share of women officers in the Swiss Armed Forces, the pool of female volunteers for such assignments is very restricted. Against this backdrop, the Swiss Armed Forces strive to increase the percentage of women in the armed forces in general. The plan is to achieve a share of 10% women by 2030 and thereby to increase their deployment abroad, especially in UN-Missions.

The officer international curricula which provides women who return from military peace support service and who previously have not undergone basic training in a recruit school, with the option to join a domestic unit and perform military service at home. The basic training and the specific pre-deployment training followed by a voluntary deployment is recognized as having the same value as the recruit school basic training.

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This curricula provides Swiss women with the option of undergoing an ordinary career path up to and including officer training, followed by serving in three international peacekeeping missions, but without the obligation to perform further military service after termination of their international tours of duty. Between deployments, they would also get the opportunity to follow additional military trainings such as staff officer courses.

Number and percentage of women in peacekeeping forces disaggregated by rank.

As of March 11, 2025, out of a total of 275 peacekeeping forces personnel, 47 (17.09%%) are female: 13 women officers (Chief GENAD HQ KFOR), 12 women NCOs, 20 enlisted women and 2 female civilian (HG OSCE, Secretariat, FSC Support Officer and Duty Mil Ad UN WOMEN).

Number and percentage of international missions where gender advisors were appointed.

In contingents, the contingent commander, the senior national representative and the legal advisor are in charge of gender issues. In the case of individual deployments, the senior national representative is responsible. Out of 16 missions as of March 13, 2025, 13 (100%) missions have a senior national representative responsible for gender issues. The remaining deployments consists of seconded personnel in headquarters and therefore do not dispose of such a specific posting. Since October 2022, Switzerland appointed for one year the gender adviser (GENAD) to the COM KFOR. In the future, this position, as well as the position of the Deputy GENAD to the COM KFOR, will be shared with Austria.

Number and percentage of participating State’s international missions that address specific issues affecting women in their terms of reference and the mission reports.

The reports of operations are not a national responsibility; they are delivered to the respective office that mandated them. In all missions, internal reports are only established on a case-by-case basis.

III: Protection

1. Increased access to justice for women whose rights are violated.

Number and percentage of reported cases of exploitation and abuse allegedly perpetrated by uniformed peacekeepers that are referred, investigated and acted upon.

Since 2023, one case involving charges with a sexual background, including harassment, to the disadvantage of a Swiss woman serving as uniformed peacekeeper was reported to the Military Justice.

IV: Other information

Information on the development, implementation and evaluation of a National Action Plan to implement UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Switzerland is committed at a bilateral and multilateral level to advance the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and the nine subsequent WPS resolutions. At a multilateral level and, among others, as a member of the “Group of Friends of 1325” and the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Focal Points Network, Switzerland is actively involved in the promotion and implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Further, as member of the UN Security Council in 2023-2024, Switzerland has co-chaired the Informal Expert Group on WPS and has also joined the WPS “Shared Commitments” that aim to integrate and mainstream WPS into the Council’s work. In 2024, Switzerland worked with regional women mediator networks to bring their perspectives and recommendations to the Council as well as

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inform the annual WPS Open Debate on the topic of women’s participation in peace processes in a changing environment.

Switzerland is committed to the creation of framework conditions in the United Nations, as well as in other international and regional organisations such as the OSCE, that will enable women to participate in peace building efforts on an equal footing with men. This commitment to equal rights is based on quantitative criteria (proportion of women to men), as well as with regard to opportunities and the contribution to decision-making, position in the hierarchy, financial and other resources, security measures, capacity building, etc.

In order to strengthen and coordinate Switzerland’s efforts, a National Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (NAP 1325,)24 has been established. Currently, the development process for the fifth National Action Plan is ongoing. The aim of the Swiss NAP 1325 is to ensure that gender aspects are taken into consideration in all areas of peace and security policy and in all concrete peacekeeping and peacebuilding measures.

Switzerland supports and promotes, directly and indirectly, programmes and projects designed specifically to ensure the effective participation of women in peace processes. Furthermore, efforts are to be made to systematically include gender aspects in all peace building programmes and projects, through the proper training of those in charge of programmes, the deployment of experts, etc.

Switzerland promotes the participation of women in peace processes by means of its policy with regard to recruitment and secondment as well as in its support for qualified candidates. This is to ensure that the experts, including gender experts, seconded to civilian peace building operations as well as the participants in military peace operations will receive a high level of training in sensitisation on gender issues in preparation for their deployment on missions.

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24 https://www.dcaf.ch/implementation-osce-code-conduct-during-covid-19

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Annex II: Voluntary information on Private Military and Security Companies (PMSC) (FSC.DEL/2/15)

I. International Engagement

1. What are your States’ international engagements aimed at promoting standards of good governance and good practices for PMSCs?

Information on engagement with voluntary initiatives aimed at promoting more effective regulation of PMSCs, such as the Montreux Document and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers (ICoC).

Information on your State’s position on joining the Montreux Document and the ICoC Association (ICoCA).

Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), together with 17 States, produced the Montreux Document of September 17, 2008, on pertinent international legal obligations and good practices for states related to operations of private military and security companies during armed conflict. The Montreux Document is now endorsed by 59 states and three international organisations (the OSCE endorsed the Montreux Document on November 22, 2013). The Montreux Document Forum (MDF) provides a venue for informal consultation among Montreux Document participants and, seeks to support national implementation of the Montreux Document and the development of implementation tools, as well as to bring more states to actively support it. The Forum further aims to strengthen dialogue on lessons learned, good practices and challenges related to the regulation of PMSCs.25 In this spirit, and in collaboration with the “Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces” (DCAF) as the Forum’s Secretariat, a network of national PMSCs regulators was established within the Forum in 2024. Its objective is to foster direct, practical exchanges and strengthen cooperation among national regulatory authorities and practitioners within the MDF on PMSCs regulation. In 2025, the primary focus will be on consolidating and expanding this network.

On a parallel basis, Switzerland encouraged a follow-up by the PMSC industry to the Montreux Document. The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers of November 9, 2010 (ICoC) was launched by Switzerland and the private security sector, with the participation of civil society and other governments, with the aim of setting human-rights compliant industry standards and good practices. The International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA), constituted as a Swiss association in Geneva and operating under Swiss law, is responsible for the independent governance and oversight of the ICoC’s implementation. Its overarching purpose is to promote the responsible provision of security services as well as respect for human rights, national and international law in accordance with the principles set out in the Code. As of March 31, 2025, 116 private security companies, 8 governments and 50 NGOs are members of the ICoCA. In 2016, the core procedures of the ICoCA’s oversight mechanism – certification, monitoring and complaints process – were finalised and approved by its members. The Geneva-based ICoCA secretariat has started operationalising these procedures as of January 1, 2017.

The landscape of corporate accountability is evolving, with new EU and international regulations compelling businesses and private security providers to prioritize transparency, human rights, and responsible practices. In response to these regulatory developments, ICoCA has launched its 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, placing emphasis on the welfare of security personnel, a just transition, enhanced accountability, and the responsible integration of emerging technologies. This Strategic Plan reaffirms 25 The Chair of the Maritime Working Group of the Montreux Document Forum has developed a reference document for a maritime-focused interpretation of the Montreux Documenthttps://www.montreuxdocument.org/media/pdf/reference_document.pdf

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ICoCA’s commitment to supporting its partners in adapting to these changes while promoting ethical and sustainable practices across the private security sector. The plan is structured around five key priorities:

• Regionalisation: Ensuring human rights due diligence is effectively adapted to diverse local contexts. • Working Conditions: Advocating for improved conditions that empower security personnel to uphold human rights. • Just Transition: Supporting a fair and inclusive shift to a greener economy, ensuring responsible practices in the security sector. • New Technology: Leveraging innovation to enhance security services while maintaining ethical standards. • Accountability: Strengthening compliance and ethical conduct in high-risk industries to promote responsible business practices. Through this comprehensive framework, ICoCA remains at the forefront of advancing corporate accountability and responsible security practices globally.

Information on participation in the consultations of the United Nations Open-ended intergovernmental working group to consider the possibility of elaborating an international regulatory framework on the regulation, monitoring and oversight of the activities of private military and security companies and information on your State’s position on this international regulatory framework.

Switzerland has actively participated in each session of the open-ended intergovernmental working group. At this stage, the question of the nature of a possible international regulatory framework remains open. Switzerland is convinced of the added value of a UN instrument that builds upon and goes beyond the Montreux Document, which primarily restates states’ existing international obligations related to PMSCs. While distinct, Switzerland considers that the Montreux Document and a possible international regulatory framework are complementary initiatives that share the common objective of promoting compliance with international law. Switzerland will continue to participate in the discussion to be held under the new mandate of the working group.

Information on engagement with other voluntary initiatives such as the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs), the United Nations Global Compact, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Switzerland was admitted as a participating government to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) initiative in September 2011. From March 2013 until March 2014, Switzerland chaired the steering committee and hosted the plenary meeting on March 26-27, 2014 in Montreux. The Swiss presidency was appreciated by all stakeholders and facilitated several positive developments: A three-year strategy was agreed upon with the aim of strengthening the implementation of the VPs, the transparency and accountability, as well as of aligning the VPs with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. During its role as chair for the second time (2019–2020), Switzerland focused on implementing the Voluntary Principles initiative in the field and expanding it to new members. Form 2022 and until now, a specific focus has been put on implementation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Mozambique, in Nigeria and in Peru.

Switzerland succeeded in opening the initiative to a new sector with the addition of an agribusiness company. Furthermore, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique have decided to join the initiative and have been accepted by the General Assembly as engaged members. Both countries are now in the process of developing a national implementation action plan. This is a positive development, as the commitment from these countries is key to strengthening the impact on the ground and involving national institutions. Focusing its strategy on producer countries which would benefit the most from implementing

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the Voluntary Principles, Switzerland has invested in projects such as police training and promoting a dialogue between civil society, companies and national authorities. Switzerland has also strengthened its task force to enhance the impact of the Voluntary Principles in French-speaking Africa, with a focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Swiss Government supports the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) financially through the Global Compact Trust Fund and by funding specific activities on topics such as gender equality, the fight against corruption or the conduct of companies in conflict regions. In addition, the Swiss United Nations Global Compact Network, which has concluded a cooperation contract with the Swiss Government, plays an important role in the promotion of topics related to corporate social responsibility.

On January 15, 2020, the Federal Council approved the revised National Action Plan 2020-2023 on corporate social responsibility, and on Business and Human Rights with the involvement of external stakeholders (business associations, civil society, academia). The Federal Government promotes the implementation of a responsible business conduct. This includes in particular the creation of support measures for the implementation of human rights, due diligence (tools, guidelines, etc.) and cooperation with multi-stakeholder initiatives. These activities are an important contribution to sustainable development and to solving societal challenges. In 2024, Switzerland has started to elaborating an updated National Action Plan for the period 2024 -2027. Several stakeholder consultations are currently going on, and the updated plan should be approved by the Federal Council by the end of June.

II. Policy, Legislation, Regulation

2. Information on the policy, legislation, and regulations relevant to PMSCs that operate domestically and internationally, and how PMSCs are registered, licensed and monitored.

Specific laws, regulations, policies and other provisions relevant for PMSCs (as set out in the good practices of the Montreux Document).

Legislation pertaining to the export and import of PMSC services.

Due to several parliamentary interventions and based on a 2010 report on private military and security companies (PMSCs), the Federal Council concluded that regulatory action with regard to PMSCs which provide services abroad needed to be taken. On September 27, 2013, Parliament passed the Federal Act on Private Security Services provided Abroad (PSSA, SR 935.41) which came into force on September 1, 2015.

The aim of the PSSA is to contribute to the safeguarding of the internal and external security of Switzerland, the realisation of Switzerland’s foreign policy objectives, the preservation of Swiss neutrality and respect for international law, in particular, human rights and international humanitarian law. The Act applies to natural and legal persons that provide private security services abroad or services in connection with private security services provided abroad. Further, it applies to those who establish, base, operate, or manage a private security company in Switzerland and to those who exercise control from Switzerland over such a company. It does not, however, apply to companies providing security services within Switzerland, which are regulated by cantonal authorities.

Private security services as defined by the PSSA means the protection of persons and the guarding or surveillance of goods and properties in complex environments, security services at events, the checking, detention or searching of persons, searching of premises or containers, and seizure of objects, the guarding, caring for, and transport of prisoners, operating prison facilities, and assisting in operating camps for prisoners of war or civilian detainees, the advising, training and operational or logistical support for armed or security forces, the operation and maintenance of weapons systems, and intelligence activities.

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All companies that fall within the Act’s scope of application have a duty to declare their intended activities. The competent authority (see below) reviews the information provided by the company on a case by case basis, initiates a review procedure whenever there are indications suggesting that the envisaged activity could be in conflict with the purposes of the Act and in case such activities contradict the aims of the Act, it prohibits them. Companies falling within the Act’s scope of application are obliged to become signatories to the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC). The Ordinance on Private Security Services provided Abroad (OPSA, SR 935.411) specifies that companies are deemed to have acceded to the ICoC if they are members of the International Code of Conduct Association. If membership of the ICoCA is not possible for reasons which the company cannot be held accountable for, the company has to obtain confirmation of this from the ICoCA.

The PSSA further prohibits under all circumstances any activities carried out for the purpose of direct participation in hostilities abroad and the provision of services where it may be assumed that they will be used by the recipient in order to commit serious human rights violations.

In addition, the PSSA regulates the contracting of security companies for the protection of persons and the guarding of goods and properties in complex environments abroad by the federal authorities and defines the minimum requirements with respect to the companies concerned. In particular, the provisions determine the requirements with regard to the training, equipment and internal control mechanisms of the contracted private security companies. The PSSA requires the contracted companies to become a signatory to the ICoC. To complement the PSSA, the Ordinance on the Use of Private Security Companies by the Federal Government (OUPSC, SR 124) came into force on June 24, 2015. The ordinance regulates the contracting of security companies within Switzerland and in non-complex environments and defines similar requirements with regard to the contracted companies.

Information on institutions/organisations monitoring compliance

The competent authority in charge of the implementation of the PSSA is the Export Controls and Private Security Services Section within the International Security Division of the FDFA’s State Secretariat. The competent authority is responsible for the implementation of the PSSA and the administrative procedures it introduces. In addition, the competent authority takes part in the national and international dialogue on norms and standards applicable to private security companies and it publishes an annual report which is publicly available.26

PMSCs operating within Switzerland are monitored by cantonal authorities according to cantonal laws. In the French-speaking part of Switzerland, the Commission concordataire concernant les entreprises de sécurité (Inter-cantonal commission on security companies) is responsible for monitoring private security companies.

III. Number of PMSCs

3. How many PMSCs are registered in your State and what services do they provide, both domestically and internationally?

List number of PMSCs headquartered or based in your State.

List number of foreign-based PMSCs providing services in your State.

26 https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/foreign-policy/security-policy/bundesgesetz-ueber-die-im-ausland- erbrachten-privaten-sicherheit.html

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Between September 1, 2015, and December 31, 2024, around 90 Swiss-based companies submitted 2'673 declarations of activities abroad in accordance with Article 10 PSSA. Due to the fact that PMSCs operating within Switzerland are regulated by cantonal authorities, there are no official numbers regarding their activities. It is estimated that around 900 private security companies provide services on Swiss territory.

Provide information on the types of services they provide, e.g. transport, logistics, surveillance, protection of persons, goods and property, maintenance of weapons systems, operation of detention centres, etc.

Provide information on geographical concentration of PMSCs activity when services are being delivered abroad.

A significant portion of the declared activities involves services related to logistical support for armed or security forces, the operation and maintenance of weapons systems and the advising or training members of armed or security forces. Private intelligence activities constitute another major segment. A third category includes the protection of individuals, as well as activities such as the checking, detention, or searching of persons, premises or containers, and the seizure of objects. the protection of persons and the guarding or surveillance of goods and properties in complex environments. Private intelligence activities represent another important segment. A third significant group concerns activities related to the export and use of war material and dual-use goods and to expertise in the military sector in general. This third group involves services in the areas of logistical support for armed or security forces, operation and maintenance of weapons systems and advising or training members of armed or security forces. From a geographical perspective, the activities that are subject to the law are mainly focused in the region of North Africa and the Middle East, where about half of the activities were carried out since the PSSA came into force. Other regions for activities that are subject to the law are Europe and Central Asia.

Provide information on what services your State outsources to PMSCs

On the federal level, under Article 30 PSSA and Article 1 OUPSC, the Swiss Government is only authorised to contract with companies that provide private security services for the performance of protection tasks. Article 30 PSSA explicitly lists the following protection tasks: the protection of persons as well as the guarding or surveillance of goods and properties.

On the cantonal level, Staff employed by private security companies is working in many Cantons and facilities (prisons and other penal institutions, and centres for the execution of court measures).The tasks entrusted to these companies vary and include providing security services outside the institutions as well as tasks requiring direct contact with the inmates which could include the use of direct force. In almost all concerned Cantons, cantonal legislation applying the use of private security personnel is already in place or has already been elaborated for upcoming legislative amendments.

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Annex III: Voluntary Information On Children And Armed Conflict

I. 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.

YES NO Reservations / Interpretative Statements Convention on the Rights of the Child X Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of X children, child prostitution and child pornography Optional Protocol to the Convention on the rights of the child on the X involvement of children in armed conflict Optional Protocol to the Convention on the rights of the child on a X communication procedure ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour X Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and X Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction Safe Schools Declaration X Paris Principles and Guidelines on Children Associated with Armed Forces X 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 Areas) X

II. National measures to end and prevent CAAC violations

1. What is the minimum legal age for recruitment (including voluntary recruitment) for service in military, paramilitary and security forces in your State?

The Swiss Federal Law on the Armed Forces and Military Administration of 3 February 1995 (SR 510.10) sets under art. 7 the legal age for recruitment at the earliest from the beginning of the 19th year of age.

2. If the legal age for recruitment is set below 18 years, what measures are taken to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict, with particular regard to the obligation that children do not directly participate in hostilities and are not subject to mandatory recruitment?

N/A.

3. Please indicate if your State has any national reference document (for example in the form of laws, regulations, policies or action plans) on issues related to the protection of children in armed conflicts.

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The Armed Forces Service Regulation (SR 510.107.0) stipulates as a basic obligation under section 77 paragraph 3 that every member of the armed forces “has a duty to respect the human rights and the dignity of the people in all their diversity and without discrimination. In particular, no one may be treated unfavorably on grounds of gender, ethnic or national origin, language, age, religion, sexual orientation, political or other opinion, social origin, lifestyle or disability. Furthermore, issues related to the protection of children in armed conflicts are inter alia addressed in the Legal Framework for the Conduct of Military Action (Reg. 51.007.04, sections 226; 249; 280 and 306).

4. Do the military doctrine and guidance of your State include issues related to children and armed conflict, with particular regard to the six grave violations identified by the UN Security Council: recruitment and use of children, killing and maiming, abduction, rape and other forms of sexual violence against children, attacks on schools and hospitals and military use of schools and hospitals, denial of humanitarian access to children?

The special needs of children, particularly but not exclusively those recruited and used in armed conflict (commonly referred to as “child soldiers”, are taken into consideration specifically by the Regulation on Prisoner of Wars and Internees Services (Reg. 51.006). For example under section 99, 170 and 207 (accommodation, infrastructure and health related aspects meeting special needs of children).

5. How is the protection of children – especially with regard to the above-mentioned six grave violations - included in military planning and other operational considerations, including rules of engagement as relevant? Are there mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the implementation of such specific child protection procedures into operations?

Issues related to the protection of children in armed conflicts are inter alia addressed in the Legal Framework for the Conduct of Military Action (Reg. 51.007.04 section 226; 249; 280 and 306).

If relevant, please also indicate if your States has: YES NO reporting mechanisms specifically related to incidents involving children from X operations to chiefs of defence or military planners and between forces leading multi-national missions and forces providing personnel to such missions mechanisms to collect and monitor reported cases of exploitation and abuse X allegedly perpetrated by military, para-military and security forces mechanism to assess risk of abuse of small arms to commit or facilitate serious acts X against children mechanisms to collect within military operations, humanitarian activities or X development cooperation projects disaggregated information per sex, age, religion, and ethnicity of children affected by armed conflicts mechanisms to protect the anonymity and personal data of children affected by X armed conflicts collected during military operations, humanitarian activities or development cooperation projects

6. How does the protection of schools in situations of armed conflicts feature in the military planning and other operational considerations of your State, including rules of engagement as relevant?

The special protection that schools enjoy under LOAC is highlighted in the Legal Framework for the Conduct of Military Action (Reg. 51.007.04 section 224 and 226).

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III. Education and training activities for troops on CAAC issues

1. Do your armed forces receive dedicated training on issues related to children and armed conflict?

If relevant, please also indicate if: YES NO Specific matters related to children and armed conflict/child protection are included in the X basic education of armed forces Specialised in-service and/or pre-deployment trainings on children and armed X conflict/child protection are available Dedicated modules on children and armed conflict/child protection are included in the X pre-deployment training for deployment of national contingents or individuals to international peacekeeping missions and military deployments. First aid courses and other medical trainings of armed forces to prevent and respond to X child casualties are available Adequate mental health support is provided pre, during and post-deployment for military X encountering children during military operations

Protection of children is part of the standard education and training of each Swiss soldier on every rank and function. International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law are an integral part of every military operation and execution conducted by the Swiss Armed Forces.

IV. 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?

N/A.

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?

N/A.

3. Please add any relevant information or comments with the view of sharing/identifying best practices.

Pre-deployment trainings organized by Swiss Armed Forces International Command “SWISSINT” (i.e. Swiss United Nations Military Observer Course (SUNMOC), International Course for Peace Support Operations (ICPSO)) thoroughly address issues related to the protection of civilians and of children.

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