Senate votes for Swiss membership of UN
The Senate has overwhelmingly come out in favour of Switzerland joining the United Nations. The debate was marked by discussions on Switzerland's traditional neutrality. The issue is likely to come to a nationwide vote next year.
The proposal to seek full UN membership was passed by the Senate with 37 against two votes from members of the rightwing Swiss People’s Party.
During the wide-ranging debate, most speakers said Swiss membership of the UN was overdue and would not infringe Swiss neutrality and sovereignty. Beside the Vatican, Switzerland is the only state in the world not to have joined the world body.
Supporters of full UN membership pointed out Switzerland would benefit by having full voting rights at UN headquarters in New York. They said it would facilitate contacts on the international stage, and strengthen political and trade ties with other countries.
Many speakers also underlined the importance of Geneva for Switzerland as the UN’s European headquarters. They said Switzerland is already taking part in activities of other UN institutions and pays important financial contributions.
The additional cost of SFr52 million for full UN membership was small compared to current payments of SFr500 million annually. This makes Switzerland the 13th biggest contributor to UN activities.
Most senators said the UN was the only universal organisation which has been fighting with considerable success against poverty, hunger and discrimination. However, they warned against idolising the world body, but added that the UN had undergone necessary reforms to make it more efficient.
Opponents of Swiss membership of the UN, from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, said UN membership would jeopardise Switzerland’s long-standing neutrality and have a negative impact on the country’s sovereignty.
They voiced fears that Switzerland could be forced to take part in UN sanctions against its will. They also said a small country would be overruled by powerful countries represented in the UN Security Council.
At the end of the four-hour debate in the Senate, the foreign minister, Joseph Deiss, repeated that UN membership was one of the policy aims of the Swiss government. He also refuted concerns that Swiss neutrality would be compromised by joining the world body.
The issue now goes to the House of Representatives for debate. It’s likely to be put to a nationwide vote next year.
It will be the second ballot on Swiss membership of the UN within two decades. In 1986, the electorate voted down membership with a three to one majority.
by Urs Geiser
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