Actions

On Monday, 07 November 2022, the second day of the UN Climate Conference COP27, decentralised actions took place at different locations in Bern. We took our criticism to the places that are jointly responsible for the current political and economic decisions. Neither the arms nor the oil industry have the intention to preserve living space and the climate. They are more concerned with their own profits and the exploitation of the countries that have to bear the negative consequences of the climate catastrophe.

Blockade at the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG)

Early in the morning, activists erected two tripods and stretched barbed wire in front of the BAZG – a symbol of Fortress Europe, which is co-financed by Switzerland. The BAZG is the institutional interface responsible for Switzerland’s cooperation with Frontex, Europe’s border agency.

Arms companies, such as Elbit, enrich themselves from the climate crisis and Fortress Europe

Switzerland as a centre for the arms industry is home to companies such as Elbit, RUAG and Thales: profiteers from Europe’s deadly isolationist policies. To call attention to this a banner that was hung in the morning from the headquarters of the Israeli company Elbit: “Here, arms company Elbit profits from foreclosure & climate destruction”. Only 700 metres from the BAZG, Elbit Switzerland does its business and sells, among other things, drones to the Swiss army – the same drones it sells to Frontex to monitor the Mediterranean.

Switzerland fights migration instead of the climate catastrophe

Even when Switzerland presents itself as a climate protector, as in the current context of COP27, it cooperates with multinational corporations whose overexploitation in the Global South is a driver of climate-induced migration. The centre of this policy is the Federal Palace in Bern. Shortly after noon, four activists in climbing gear stretched a banner under the Federal Terrace with the demand “Fight the climate crisis instead of migration”. This was in protest against Switzerland’s inaction on climate-preserving measures and the increasing funding of surveillance and militarisation.

Further decentralised actions

Throughout the day, small groups were out and about in Bern, drawing attention to our central demands: climate justice and freedom of movement for all!

Media reports

Die Klimakrise macht nicht an den Landesgrenzen Halt
Florian Wüstholz (text), Manuel Lopez (images), Hauptstadt

Mehrere Aktionen in Bern – Klimaaktivisten seilten sich über Bundesterrasse ab
Der Bund (also in BZ)

Blockade vor dem Bundesamt für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit in Bern
Radio dreyeckland

Info events

From 4-6 November, information events were held in Bern and online, focusing on the climate crisis, isolation and oppression in Egypt in light of the COP27.