Friedensrat

The Swiss Peace Council (SFR) was founded in December 1945. At that time, it was an umbrella organization for various Swiss organizations with a pacifist or foreign policy orientation that were committed to the political opening of Switzerland after the catastrophe of the Second World War and advocated both European unification and the country's accession to the new UN. It soon began working on many of its own peace policy issues.

For decades, it fought for the introduction of civilian service for conscientious objectors. In the 1960s, it opposed the nuclear armament of Switzerland propagated by army circles with its Easter marches, and in the 1970s it opposed the Vietnam War. The Peace Council was also particularly active in the first arms export ban initiative in 1972 and other arms trade issues. In the 1980s, the fight against NATO medium-range missiles in Europe was at the forefront, but it also criticized Switzerland's overall defense ideology and total civil defense, and campaigned against the expansion of military bases (Rothenthurm and Neuchlen-Anschwilen).

The SFR was involved in peace policy initiatives such as the arms referendum, the redistribution initiative, and the initiative for a civilian peace service. However, the SFR understands peace policy as much more than just security and military policy. The SFR campaigns against racism and sexism, advocates fair treatment of countries in the Global South, and is committed to a social domestic policy and a foreign policy based on solidarity. It is involved in various human rights initiatives and peace rallies and is particularly committed to the collective security system and participation in the UN's peace efforts. In 2001, it launched the Swiss campaign against small arms.

In addition to the quarterly FRIEDENSZEITUNG, published in March, June, September, and December , the Swiss Peace Council publishes a number of other publications, such as the annual report on its activities in the spring, the peace calendar for the following year in the fall, or, as needed, a brochure on a current topic. A list of currently available publications and a complete list of SFR publications in PDF format are available at info@friedensrat.ch&nbsp.