Promotion of peace
Armed forces
The Federal Constitution and the Military Act assign the missions ‘Defence’, ‘Support of the civilian authorities’ and ‘Promotion of peace within an international context’ to the armed forces.
Peace support within an international context: the armed forces are engaged for security and peace abroad. Under the mandate of international organisations they help to rebuild a stable order in other countries after wars and crises. A more peaceful world is beneficial for Switzerland too.
- SWISSINT: Peace Support worldwide
- Training for peace support missions
- Explosive ordnance disposal and mine action
Partnership for Peace
The Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme is a political initiative that is jointly realised by the 28 NATO member states and 22 partner states. Cooperation within PfP is aimed at enhancing trust and transparency in sensitive areas relating to security and defence policy. Switzerland has been participating in the programme since 1996. For its participation Switzerland lays several thematic emphases as indicated by its own security policy interests and requirements. Switzerland’s activities are controlled jointly – by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).
Spiez Laboratory
SPIEZ LABORATORY is the Swiss Institute for NBC-Protection. It deals with the scientific and technical aspects of hazards associated with NBC incidents. It has the requisite laboratories and measuring equipment to ensure that it can fullfil this task. In addition, SPIEZ LABORATORY uses its technical expertise to support Switzerland’s arms control and peacekeeping efforts. Since 1998, the Spiez Laboratory has been a designated laboratory of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The vision of the laboratory: A world without weapons of mass destruction.