On Saturday, June 15, 2024, the Guido Fluri Foundation known for both the “reparations initiative” in Switzerland and the European “Justice Initiative” hosted a very important event in Thun, bringing together the last surviving witnesses of compulsory social measures and placements. The response was overwhelming, with more than 800 participants in attendance, along with numerous distinguished guests, including Federal Councilor Beat Jans.
Tens of thousands of children and young people in Switzerland were affected by compulsory social measures and placements right up until 1981. In many cases, they experienced severe suffering, which directly and seriously impaired their physical, psychological or sexual integrity or mental development.
Guido Fluri, initiator of the project stated: “For decades, the injustices committed were silenced and tabooed by society and politics. Today, their personal stories are an integral part of Swiss history, no longer denied or hidden. They are no longer victims but witnesses of their time, role models for today’s and tomorrow’s generations.”
Beat Jans, who is also head of the Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police, highlighted in his speech the importance of public recognition, scientific investigation, and solidarity contributions. He also emphasized that it is crucial for survivors to continue sharing their life stories, creating awareness of past injustices not only in Switzerland but also in Europe, where countries are now also starting to deal with their own cases of abuse.
In January, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, representing 46 states and over 600 million citizens, voted in favor of dealing with past cases of abuse along the lines of Switzerland. Beat Jans told the survivors, “Your courage has led to a Swiss law that serves as a model throughout Europe. The Council of Europe, the guardian of human rights, recommends its 46 member states to follow the Swiss model in addressing past abuse cases. A tremendous success! Your success! A success that benefits countless people in other countries as well.”
