Switzerland joins EU sanctions aimed at curbing gang violence in Haiti
Berne, 28.01.2026 — The Federal Council is responding to the dramatic situation in Haiti. On 28 January, it took the decision to join the EU sanctions aimed at curbing gang violence. This extends the existing Ordinance on measures concerning Haiti. The new measures come into force at 11pm on 28 January.
The Federal Council has extended the Ordinance on measures concerning Haiti. The Ordinance has been in force since 16 December 2022 and has so far been based exclusively on UN sanctions. The UN sanctions include an arms embargo on the entire country as well as an asset freeze and travel ban currently against eleven individuals and entities.
With the decision to extend the measures taken on 28 January, the Federal Council is also joining the EU sanctions. The asset freeze and travel bans will therefore apply to ten additional individuals and entities. As such, the Federal Council is responding to the escalating gang violence and dramatic humanitarian situation in Haiti. The Ordinance on measures concerning Haiti already provides for a wide range of exemptions for humanitarian activities. Humanitarian exceptions also apply to the new measures.