Children’s involvement in civil proceedings.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In 2023, UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein and the Marie Meierhofer Institute for the Child (MMI) published two new publications on the rights of children and young people in civil proceedings: guidelines for professionals and an explanatory brochure for children and young people. The two publications were presented at a workshop at the 2023 Symposium on Child Protection. MMI offers training programs for professionals who hold hearings.

Jahresbericht 2023 — © UNICEF CH-FL/Nourenbourg

UNICEF knows that children’s opinions are often overlooked in emotionally charged events, such as divorce, and believes that they have a right to have their input considered in legal decisions. This right for children’s voices to be heard is recognized in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 12), the Swiss Civil Code (Article 314a) and the Code of Civil Procedure (Article 298). Studies show, however, that Switzerland’s implementation has been insufficient and that differences exist between the cantons. Only ten percent of children entitled to be heard in legal proceedings actually are. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child also attests to failures in Switzerland’s implementation of children’s rights to be heard.

In emotionally difficult and life-changing situations, it is essential that the interests and opinions of children and young people are not overlooked. Their opinions and needs must be taken seriously and integrated into the decision-making process. This does not automatically mean that the wishes of children and young people should always be granted. The highest priority in decisions should always be the welfare of the child. However, it is essential that children and young people be included in ways appropriate to their ages and provided with explanations, especially when decisions go against their wishes. Giving children a voice is essential for ensuring the participation of young people.

Actively including children in legal proceedings and taking their options seriously is easier said than done. That is why UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, in partnership with MMI, has released two new publications on this matter. These publications were co-financed by the Federal Social Insurance Office.

Kindesanhörung im Zivilrecht. Leitfaden für Fachpersonen

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Dieser Leitfaden zur Kindesanhörung in zivilrechtlichen Verfahren richtet sich an Fachpersonen, die Kindesanhörungen durchführen und darauf basierende Entscheidungen fällen. Dabei werden Sinn und Nutzen sowie der rechtliche Rahmen einer Kindesanhörung aufgezeigt. Ein besonderes Augenmerk liegt auf praktischen Tipps zur Vorbereitung und Durchführung einer Kindesanhörung sowie Hilfestellung zur Berücksichtigung des Kindeswillens bei der Entscheidungsfindung.

Diese Publikation ist in Deutsch, Französisch und Italienisch erhältlich.

Als Information für Kinder, Jugendliche und Erwachsene empfehlen wir die Publikation «Deine Meinung zählt – Alles zur Kindesanhörung im Zivilrecht». Darin wird die Kindesanhörung in zivilrechtlichen Verfahren in einfacher Sprache und illustriert erklärt. Diese Informationsbroschüre kann gemeinsam mit der Einladung zur Anhörung verschickt werden.

Partizipation und Anhörung von Kindern im Asylverfahren. Information für Kinder und Jugendliche

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Both publications are available in German, French and Italian. They can be downloaded and ordered at no charge: publications (in German)

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