Topic: 2025 – Reducing Recruitment Capabilities of Terrorist Groups
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Kenna Charbauski
Disarmament & International Security Committee
Reducing Recruitment Capabilities of Terrorist Groups
Switzerland
Kenna Charbauski
Forest Hills Northern High School
Terrorism is a growing global threat. While on the surface it may seem hate-driven and irrational, the root problem is multifaceted. Terrorism groups offer security to those experiencing instability though enticing offers of community or safety. It also increasingly is difficult to enforce legislation on recruitment in the digital age, where the internet allows for extremist groups to reach large audiences. These issues require multilateral cooperation to address, but must not infringe on human rights in the process. Switzerland recommends implementing a plan that takes a bottom-up approach, increasing support to communities and education for youth, and regulating existing groups.
Switzerland has long been a host of crisis negotiations, maintaining a policy of neutrality on many global issues. The nation is uniquely poised to facilitate multilateral diplomacy and organize United Nations (UN) initiatives. In 2017, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism was held in Geneva and Berne to discuss preventing radicalization and adopting improved legislation. Strong commitment to international law means Switzerland has been party to all 18 UN counterterrorism conventions. Most recently updated in 2024, Switzerland’s national Counterterrorism Strategy addresses many issues, including but not limited to prevention of terrorism, prosecution of terrorists, and protection for those in danger. Switzerland urges other nations to adopt similar plans. No acts of terrorism will be permitted within Swiss borders, Hamas operations have been banned, and the nation is taking steps to ban Hezbollah as well. This reduces the ability of groups to recruit within Swiss borders. Similarly, Switzerland supports controlling online terrorist propaganda. The global internet continues to be a breeding ground for extremist ideas and needs stronger regulation through unilaterally accepted cyber counterterrorism initiatives. Still, a fine line needs to be balanced in these regulations that will not decrease freedom of expression or individual privacy rights. Even in the face of danger, Switzerland continues to protect humanitarian rights. Many communities that are prone to terrorism experience instability, poverty, and a lack of education on extremist narratives. Switzerland has taken steps to reduce golbal economic inequality and marginalization of minority groups by uplifiting positve local leadership and empowing communities. Switzerland also supports UN initiatives, including STRIVE Juvenile, which protects children from recruitment and is the center of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund. This active engagement in unstable zones is necessary to fight the issue at hand.
There are many more nuanced details of Switzerland’s counterterrorism strategy that the delegation looks forward to covering in committee. These plans included building trust among communities through the sending of aid, improved educational resources, and support of humanitarian efforts. Switzerland encourages nations to compromise in building a general peace that will reduce the prevalence of radicalized groups. Nations will also need to collaborate when monitoring the internet to protect those at risk of recruitment. Switzerland recommends this be addressed by individual states following international guidelines which may include internet use age limits and censorship of certain propaganda. Finally, it is imperative that nations support each other in combating current terrorist attacks or blackmail. Switzerland is determined to ensure safety for individuals and nations alike, and is optomistic that a better future lies ahead.
