|
Ladies and Gentlemen
Today, on International Children's Rights Day, we, as every year, focus our attention on the still far too numerous cases of involuntary estrangement between separated parents and their children.
Our umbrella organization GeCoBi over the past few years with the awareness campaign " Enough Tears" drawn attention to this issue in various ways
also a sad highlight in our regular consultations and on our hotline , as most inquiries regularly revolve around such situations.
While international research has been providing reliable figures and facts for years, time seems to have stood still in Switzerland in this regard.
The fact is, however, that these situations occur far too frequently. Far too often, a child loses contact with the non-custodial parent – not because that parent wants it, and often not even because the child wants it – far too often simply because clear signs are ignored, or the reaction is too slow.
The legislature is slowly moving in this direction, but unfortunately this is taking a very long time and is coming too late for many of those affected.
Commendable exceptions include models like the ZfiT in Bern and comparable efforts in Basel.
We urge experts, the courts, all involved professionals, and, not least, the directly affected parents to develop greater sensitivity to this issue.
Anything that helps prevent escalation from the outset ultimately helps the children involved, but also the parents.
To do this, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Time is a crucial factor. The usual deadlines in our procedures are unsuitable; simply too much time elapses.
- Determination is needed to quickly and sustainably prevent a threatened break in contact from becoming a reality
- Openness is required in order to correctly receive, classify and respond to relevant reports and information.
The umbrella organization GeCoBi is planning a virtual panel discussion with experts from academia, practice, and politics for December 9, 2025.
The date is aligned with International Human Rights Day on December 10, as we believe that it is not just about children's rights, but ultimately about human rights.
Further details will follow soon, but you can already pre-register today at info@gecobi.ch
Our consultation meeting will take place today at 7:30 pm in Bern , focusing on this topic, among others. Interested individuals are warmly welcome.
Kind regards,
Oliver Hunziker,
President, VeV Switzerland,
CH-5200 Brugg
, info@vev.ch | +41 56 552 02 05 |
