About the IEC
On 5 November 2014, the Federal Council appointed an Independent Expert Commission (IEC) to investigate the use of administrative detention and other compulsory measures as instruments of social welfare in Switzerland prior to 1981 . The IEC is made up of an expert commission and an interdisciplinary research team. At the end of 2019, the IEC will present the results of its research work and its recommendations. This will be the final step of its activity.
Mandate
The Federal Act on Investigation of the Use of Compulsory Welfare Measures and Custody Arrangements prior to 1981 (SR 211.223.13), entered into effect on 1 April 2017, replacing the Federal Act of 21 March 2014 on the Rehabilitation of Administrative Detainees (SR 211.223.12). The new law officially recognizes the injustice that was done to individuals who were subjected to such measures.
The primary focus of the IEC will be on a study of the history of administrative detention in Switzerland prior to 1981, including an analysis from the perspective of the victims and other persons affected by that policy, and a review of the conduct of the responsible authorities. In addition, the Commission will also consider the use of administrative detention in relation to other compulsory measures and custody arrangements before 1981 (in particular, the use of children as indentured labourers, their placement in families or homes for boarding or foster care, the treatment of itinerant labourers, compulsory sterilisation and castration, and forced adoptions).
MEMBERS OF THE INDEPENDENT EXPERT COMMISSION
The president and eight members of the Commission were appointed by the Federal Council.
Dr. Dr. h.c. Markus NotterJurist, former governing council of the Canton of Zurich, president of the commission
Prof. Dr. Jacques GasserGeneral psychiatry, University of Lausanne
Dr. Beat GnädingerState archivist of the Canton of Zurich
Prof. Dr. Lukas GschwendHistory of law, sociology of law and criminal law, University of St. Gallen
Dr. Thomas HuonkerHistorian, Zurich
Prof. Dr. Gisela HaussInstitute of Integration and Participation, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Prof. Dr. Martin LengwilerRecent general history, University of Basel
Prof. Dr. Anne-Françoise PrazContemporary history, University of Fribourg
Dr. Loretta SegliasHistorian, Wädenswil
GENERAL SECRETARIAT
Elie BurgosGeneral secretary
Sara ZimmermannGeneral secretary
IEC Independent Expert Commission
PO box
3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 463 31 16 (german, french)
Tel.: +41 58 461 89 41 (f, d)
COLLABORATORS
The following employees are conducting the IEC’s research:
