Federal Office for Civilian Service
The Federal Office for Civilian Service is the Swiss federal authority responsible for all matters regarding civilian service. It manages the admission of conscripts, the organization of assignments, and ensures the economic utility of the service.
The CIVI is subordinated to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.
Tasks and organisation
The CIVI primarily operates in three areas: deciding on admissions to civilian service, supervising and controlling conscripts during their service, and overseeing recognized deployment establishments.The office employs approximately 140 people. While the central body is located in Thun, the office maintains regional centers in Aarau, Bellinzona, Lausanne, and Rüti, as well as a training center at the Schwarzsee.
History
In Switzerland, popular initiatives to introduce a substitute civilian service were rejected by voters in 1977 and 1984. On May 17, 1992, 82.5% of voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing for substitute service for those with a conscientious objection to military service.The Law on Civilian Service entered into force on October 1, 1996. Originally, admission required a personal hearing to demonstrate a conflict of conscience. Since April 1, 2009, a "proof by deed" system applies, where the willingness to perform civilian service that lasts 1.5 times longer than military service is considered sufficient proof of a conflict of conscience.
Originally managed by the Civilian Service Executing Body, the agency was elevated as a federal office in 2019.