Letters to the Editor

The ICRC Museum must not be closed

As a Swiss citizen, I am vehemently opposed to this plan. The International Red Cross Museum in Geneva is of national importance. It embodies the principle of Swiss neutrality and supports the project of diplomatic relations with other countries. It is a unique museum in Switzerland, accessible to every citizen. Especially now, at this difficult time, when the whole world is in turmoil, with the wars in the Middle East and the Ukrainian and Russian conflicts, it must remain open. Instead of spending 12 million taxpayers’ money on an inconclusive peace conference on the Bürgenstock, it can be invested in something more useful, such as humanitarian aid, neutrality, and international law. It is an outrage to want to move the ICRC museum from Geneva to Abu Dhabi. I therefore support the National Council motion to preserve the ICRC museum.

Georges Bösch, Sirnach (TG)

Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition

In the midst of power blocs that are massively arming themselves, neutrality is needed now more than ever before. At a time when wars are being planned between major powers, manoeuvres are being held everywhere (e.g., the German Bundeswehr is training in the South Pacific), and massive armaments are being deployed, there is only one way forward for Switzerland – to continue to put its neutrality at the service of its humanitarian tradition. The invaluable work of the Swiss Red Cross since 1863 is unrivalled. The ICRC can only fulfil its difficult task in conflict situations if it enjoys the trust of the warring parties. Only a strict policy of neutrality without ties to power blocs can guarantee this. Switzerland is a nation of will and without the tradition of non-violent conflict resolution, Switzerland would no longer exist. Bringing parties to the table and working out solutions as equals is part of Switzerland’s DNA. Thanks to its long tradition of “good offices”, Switzerland is also better placed than almost any other country to provide neutral, trained mediators.

Marianne Bürkli, Bronschhofen (SG)