Navigation

Cabinet ratifies ban on cluster bombs

The government has decided to ban the use, production, purchase and stockpiling of cluster bombs under an international convention agreed three years ago.

This content was published on June 6, 2011 - 13:51
swissinfo.ch and agencies

The cabinet is also proposing an amendment to the law on war materials, including a ban on the direct and indirect funding of outlawed munitions, according to a foreign ministry statement on Monday.

Parliament is to discuss the issues at a later date.

Campaigners have accused 16 Swiss companies, including the two big banks UBS and Credit Suisse, of financing cluster bombs and parts despite the entry into force of an international treaty.

However the two banks last week rejected the allegations saying a process of withdrawing from investments is underway. 

The Convention on Cluster Munitions has been signed by more than 100 countries so far, while nearly 60 others, including Germany, France and Britain, have ratified it.

The Swiss armed forces will have to destroy artillery ammunition within eight years if Switzerland signs the accord that came into force last August.

The foreign ministry says Switzerland spends about SFr16 million ($19.1 million) annually on humanitarian projects for mine clearing, notably in Laos.

In compliance with the JTI standards

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

Sort by

Change your password

Do you really want to delete your profile?

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.

Discover our weekly must-reads for free!

Sign up to get our top stories straight into your mailbox.

The SBC Privacy Policy provides additional information on how your data is processed.