Federal Council adopts sanctions in connection with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Guatemala and Sudan
Bern, 10.04.2024 - On 10 April the Federal Council took the decision that Switzerland would join the EU’s new sanctions. These concern measures against individuals who support Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Other measures concern Guatemala. Additional EU sanctions have been added to the existing UN sanctions regime against Sudan. The two new ordinances and the amendment to the ordinance will enter into force at 6pm on 10 April.
The Federal Council adopted targeted financial sanctions and travel restrictions against six individuals. These individuals are involved in financing Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Switzerland is therefore joining the sanctions imposed by the EU following the terrorist attacks carried out on 7 October 2023. The sanctions are aimed at combating violent acts that threaten peace and international security. They also strengthen the legal ban on Hamas, which the Federal Council submitted for consultation on 21 February.
Also on 10 April, the Federal Council adopted sanctions in connection with Guatemala. After the presidential election in August 2023, senior officials in the public prosecutor's office attempted to undermine the peaceful transition of power. Their actions threaten democracy and the rule of law. These measures, also adopted by the EU, impose financial sanctions and travel restrictions on five individuals.
The Federal Council also extended the existing ordinance against Sudan, which was previously based solely on UN sanctions. The EU sanctions will be enforced by Switzerland against six companies that are involved in financing the government army and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary militia. The Federal Council is therefore responding to the dramatic deterioration of the situation in Sudan due to the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
The new measures adopted by the Federal Council contain exceptions for humanitarian activities.
The new measures enter into force at 6pm on 10 April 2024.
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