foraus is organising a policy workshop to empower its members to develop informed and constructive recommendations for Swiss foreign policy. The event will take place on 29 September (18:15–20:15) at the Politforum Bern. Laurent Goetschel from swisspeace will join us as an external expert.
Since the brutal attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023, violence in the region has escalated to unprecedented levels. In response, Israel has carried out large-scale military attacks in the Gaza Strip resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, massive displacement, and the near-total collapse of civilian infrastructure.
The United Nations and humanitarian organisations warn that Israel's blockade and bombardment have produced famine conditions, disease, and a collapsing health system in Gaza, with some institutions describing the situation as meeting conditions associated with genocide. At the same time, systemic human rights violations and settler violence continue in the West Bank, part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where movement restrictions and expansion of settlements further deepen the crisis.
Both the ongoing killing and suffering of civilians in Gaza and the continued captivity of hostages remain at the heart of a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate international action – including from Switzerland – rooted in international humanitarian and human rights law.
Switzerland officially supports a two-state solution to the conflict. As violence continues and new diplomatic initiatives emerge, including the recent announcements by countries like France, Canada, and others to recognise the State of Palestine at the UN, the question arises: What concrete and tangible steps is Switzerland taking towards ending the violence and ensuring justice, and accountability?
This foraus workshop offers a space for open, respectful, and fact-based discussion. It aims to empower participants to think critically and collaboratively about how Swiss foreign policy can live up to its commitments to neutrality, peacebuilding, and international law.
We will begin with an expert input from Prof. Laurent Goetschel, Director of swisspeace and Professor of Political Science at the University of Basel.
After a Q&A session, participants will then work in small groups to develop concrete and actionable policy ideas targeted at Swiss policymakers, the media, and the broader public.
This is a critical moment. As the international community reconsiders its approach to the conflict, Switzerland must act as a humanitarian leader, and a neutral country committed to peace and justice (Art 5 BV, Art 191 BV).
We invite you to be part of this important conversation and help shape proposals for a more principled and impactful Swiss foreign policy.
The workshop will take place in German and French (English in case participants do not feel comfortable in the two languages)