Six parties call for binding protection concepts against abuse
Published: Thursday, Nov 23rd 2023, 13:50
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Numerous members of the National Council believe that churches, schools and associations working with children and young people should be obliged to have protection concepts to prevent abuse. The Federal Council welcomes the proposal, but sees constitutional hurdles.
It is essential that all parties involved fulfill their duty to protect children and young people and implement effective measures to prevent and combat abuse, writes the national government in its statement published on Thursday on six identical motions from the National Council. Members of all major parties except the SVP support the request.
However, the Federal Council has constitutional concerns, as it states. The cantons are responsible for the church and school systems. The federal government can only impose requirements on associations to prevent and combat abuse if it supports them on the basis of subsidy law.
"Creating a legal basis at federal level is only possible on the basis of an adequate constitutional foundation," the Federal Council's response continues. It is prepared to examine "which promising strategies and alternatives exist to best meet the concerns of the motion".
According to the government, the federal government is also examining how efforts to prevent and combat abuse can be strengthened in the promotion of extracurricular child and youth work and culture. In addition, the federal government is providing financial assistance to associations that support organizations and institutions in the development of protection concepts that work with children.
©Keystone/SDA
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