04.11.2026 Feminist arguments against the new War Materiel Act

At the end of 2025, Parliament decided to significantly relax the rules governing the export of Swiss military equipment. On 29 November, Swiss voters will cast their vote on the amended War Materiel Act.

Until now, Swiss weapons have generally not been permitted to be exported to countries involved in an armed conflict or which systematically and seriously violate human rights. Under the new rules, 36 states – mostly EU and NATO countries, as well as the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Argentina – are to be exempted from this rule. These exemptions do not apply to Ukraine.

In addition, the non-re-export declaration is to be abolished. This would mean that recipient states could, in principle, pass on war materiel purchased in Switzerland to third countries without Switzerland’s prior consent – including to parties actively involved in conflicts or states that violate human rights.

Relaxing the Federal Act on War Materiel increases the risk of arms exports to conflict zones

The planned changes would make it easier to transfer Swiss military equipment to third countries. This would reduce control over who the end-users of the weapons are. There is a growing risk that Swiss military equipment could be exported from Switzerland with fewer safeguards, passed on to third countries and ultimately used in wars. Switzerland would thus be abandoning a principle that has until now shaped its export policy: military equipment should not contribute to the escalation of conflicts.

Women and girls bear the brunt of the consequences of war

The planned changes would make it easier to resell Swiss military equipment to third countries. This would reduce control over who the end-users of the weapons are. There is a growing risk that Swiss military equipment could be exported from Switzerland with fewer safeguards, passed on to third countries and ultimately used in wars. Switzerland would thus be abandoning a principle that has until now shaped its export policy: military equipment should not contribute to the escalation of conflicts.

More weapons do not automatically mean greater security

The arms industry and its political allies justify the relaxation of export controls by arguing that it strengthens national security. Yet more weapons do not automatically create greater security. They can intensify violence, exacerbate conflicts and increase human suffering.

The proliferation of weapons generally increases the risk of lethal violence. Studies also show that the availability of firearms can increase the risk of lethal assaults even in domestic settings.

Weapons may provide short-term military advantages, but they neither tackle the root causes of conflicts nor eliminate inequality, oppression, political tensions or social injustices. Without addressing these root causes, lasting peace remains impossible.

The absence of war is far from being peace. Genuine, sustainable peace means more than the end of armed conflict: people must be able to live without fear of violence, their rights must be protected, and conflicts must be resolved through political and non-violent means.

Switzerland must take its commitments to women, peace and security seriously

Through the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda, Switzerland has committed itself to preventing conflicts, protecting women and girls from gender-based violence in armed conflicts, and involving them in peace processes.

A policy that facilitates the export of military equipment without taking sufficient account of the risks to human rights and the civilian population runs counter to this. Switzerland must fulfil its responsibilities.

Security requires prevention and peacebuilding

Whilst cuts are being made to development cooperation and international peacebuilding, military spending is set to rise to one per cent of gross domestic product by 2032. At the same time, the Swiss defence industry’s export opportunities are being expanded. This sets the wrong priorities. Sustainable security cannot be achieved through military strength alone. It requires investment in conflict prevention, diplomacy, development cooperation, social security and protection against gender-based violence.

Security must be created for all people – not primarily for the arms industry

We want a security policy that protects people from violence, rather than facilitating the spread of weapons. Security is achieved through conflict prevention, peacebuilding, social justice and the protection of human rights. That is why we oppose the new War Material Act and will vote NO on 29 November 2026.

Signatory organisations

  • Brava

  • Femmes pour la Paix

  • Frauenbund Schweiz

  • Femmes Protestantes

  • Frieda

  • PeaceWomen Across the Globe

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