Switzerland Moves to Criminalize Torture

Incident Summary

On October 23, 2025, Switzerland took a pivotal step toward strengthening its human rights framework by advancing a proposal to explicitly criminalize torture under national law. For nearly three decades, Switzerland has faced international criticism for failing to include torture as a specific offense in its penal code. This legal gap has allowed suspected perpetrators to evade justice, undermining the country’s credibility as a global advocate for human dignity. The Legal Affairs Committee of the National Council is now set to decide whether to move the proposal forward for full parliamentary debate. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and ACAT-Switzerland, have welcomed the initiative, calling it a long-overdue reform that could finally provide victims with a clear path to justice.

Why This Matters

I chose this article because it shows how legal reform can directly impact the protection of human rights. In a country known for neutrality and humanitarian leadership, the absence of a law explicitly banning torture has been a glaring contradiction. This proposed change is not just symbolic—it could close a loophole that has allowed impunity and send a strong message about accountability. It’s a reminder that even well-established democracies must continually update their laws to reflect evolving human rights standards.

Putting It in Perspective

Further research reveals that Switzerland’s failure to criminalize torture has been a recurring concern in reviews by the United Nations Committee Against Torture. The proposed reform aligns Swiss law with international obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture. If passed, it would empower prosecutors and courts to pursue cases more effectively and ensure that Switzerland no longer serves as a safe haven for torturers. This move also reflects a broader trend in Europe, where countries are reassessing their legal frameworks to better address human rights violations and uphold international norms.

APA Citation

Anadolu Agency. (2025, October 23). ‘No safe haven for torturers’: Calls mount for Switzerland to outlaw torture explicitly. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/no-safe-haven-for-torturers-calls-mount-for-switzerland-to-outlaw-torture-explicitly/3724826