Some 700,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar fled an army crackdown in 2017. They are still in crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Keystone
The Swiss government has tightened sanctions against Myanmar because of human rights concerns, including imposing individual sanctions on members of its military.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jc
This brings Switzerland into line with steps already taken by the European Union.
The measures include a strengthening of the embargo on military equipment and goods that could be used for repression, including equipment, technology and software that can be used to monitor communications.
An asset freeze and travel ban (entering and transiting through Switzerland) have been imposed on “seven high-ranking members of Myanmar’s military and security forces who are accused of serious human rights violations”, the economics ministry (SECO) said in a press releaseExternal link. “The funds and economic resources of these individuals have been frozen and must be reported to SECO without delay,” it added.
The government said it “condemns the ongoing widespread, systematic, grave human rights violations committed by Myanmar’s military and security forces, and is deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation”.
More than 700,000 members of the Rohingya Muslim minority fled in 2017 following a crackdown by the army and Buddhist militias. They are still living in sprawling refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh. In mid-September, UN investigators called for an international investigation and prosecution of Myanmar’s army chief and five other top military commanders for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against the Rohingya.
More
More
Foreign Affairs
Geneva puts spotlight on Myanmar’s Rohingya minority
This content was published on
The plight of Myanmar’s Rohingya community was the centre of attention in Geneva with allegations of “acts of genocide” against the Muslim minority.
Boats sail to Solothurn to celebrate 700 years of Le Landeron
This content was published on
The challenge of crossing Lake Biel from Le Landeron to Solothurn without a motor was taken up by 16 amateur crews on Saturday. The competition is part of Le Landeron's 700th anniversary celebrations.
Swiss cantonal ministers keep low profile on social media
This content was published on
A small base of followers and neutral posts: these are the conclusions that emerge from a study published by UNIL researchers into the use of social networks by councillors of state.
Swiss rents forecast to rise up to 5% annually, housing chief warns
This content was published on
Rents on the Swiss market are set to rise by between 3% and 5% a year over the next few years, warned Martin Tschirren, Director of the Federal Housing Office (FHO), on Sunday. "Demand for housing remains higher than supply".
This content was published on
The Council of the Swiss Abroad, meeting today in Bern, passed a resolution in favour of the new Electronic Identity Act (Id-e), which will be put to the vote on 28 September.
One person consumes 4.8 megawatt hours of electricity
This content was published on
On average, the Swiss consume 4.8 megawatt hours of electricity per year. According to Velobiz.de, this is roughly equivalent to the amount generated by all 176 cyclists in the Tour de France during the entire race.
Outgoing ICRC chief in Ukraine defends neutrality amid war
This content was published on
Swiss national Jürg Eglin, outgoing head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ukraine, reflects on his tenure.
Green party leader criticises government’s neo-liberal policy
This content was published on
The Green Party delegates' meeting opened on Saturday morning in Vicques (JU) with a speech by party president Lisa Mazzone. Mazzone took particular aim at the Federal Council's policy towards the United States.
Working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being, says Swiss study
This content was published on
A study by the University of Bern shows that working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being and particularly affects women.
Safra Sarasin private bank and former asset manager sentenced
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has fined private bank J. Safra Sarasin CHF3.5 million for aggravated money laundering. A former bank employee received a six-month suspended prison sentence.
JPMorgan to pay CHF270 million to settle 1MDB claims
This content was published on
JPMorgan Chase has agreed to pay CHF270 million to the Malaysian government to settle all issues related to its role in the 1MDB financial scandal.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss visit by Myanmar army officials sparks controversy
This content was published on
The Swiss branch of Amnesty International has criticised a visit to Switzerland by a high-ranking delegation of Myanmar army officials to discuss federalism.
Geneva puts spotlight on Myanmar’s Rohingya minority
This content was published on
The plight of Myanmar’s Rohingya community was the centre of attention in Geneva with allegations of “acts of genocide” against the Muslim minority.
This content was published on
The official visit last month was condemned by Amnesty International, which said it was “unacceptable” to receive military leaders whilst tens of thousands of refugees were being forced to flee Myanmar. The European Council last month suspended further invitations to senior Myanmar officers. Speaking to Swiss public television RTS, diplomat Paul Seger said it was…
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.