Bern, Press releases, 11.11.2014

The Directorate of International Law (DIL) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) held its annual International Law Day on Tuesday 11 November 2014, in Bern. This year’s theme was youth and international law. In his address the President of the Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, spoke of the responsibility of adults towards young people and invited the latter to make themselves heard.

The President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, in a discussion with young people in the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern. © Keystone
FDFA

Held in the hall of the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern the DIL’s annual event was attended by more than 100 guests including lawyers, law professors, students, civil servants and members of parliament. This year the DIL sought to innovate, as the presentations and discussions were not solely aimed at specialists but also at the many young students and apprentices present in the hall of Bern’s cantonal parliament.

In his address the President placed special emphasis on Switzerland’s commitment to the promotion and development of international law, expressing his concern that the interests of young people be taken into account in this context. He noted that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (ratified by Switzerland in February 1997) is an important instrument, based as it is on the principle that children are not objects but rather subjects having their own rights. And with 194 Contracting States it is by far the most ratified of all UN human rights conventions, Mr Burkhalter pointed out.

Nonetheless, many states still find it difficult to recognise children as subjects with full legal rights. He regretted the fact that the opportunities for children to defend their rights at the international level are limited. Calling on the adult world to take into account the needs and expectations of young people Mr Burkhalter encouraged the latter to stand up and make themselves heard. In his address the President also pointed out that in today’s society young people have shown themselves to be valuable and committed actors, an outstanding example being Malala Yousafzai, who was recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to the right to education. Mr Burkhalter went on to say that young people are entitled to demand that today’s political leaders make every possible effort to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy a free, safe and prosperous world.

He reminded his audience that this year Switzerland celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Confederation’s ratification of the European Convention on Human Rights. In this context he introduced a new brochure explaining to young people the history of this act of ratification.

Among the invited guests was Ms Carol Bellamy, formerly Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), who took the floor to speak about protecting and promoting the rights of young people around the world. Ms Helen Keller, a judge at the European Court of Human Rights spoke of her interest in the protection of children and youth through the jurisprudence of the Strasbourg-based court.

A discussion panel with young people was also part of this annual DIL event, enabling the participants to explain their own understanding of international law, their expectations and the impact on their daily lives. Four young politicians joined in the discussion: Fabio Bongiovanni, a city councillor and representative in the Neuchatel cantonal parliament; Béatrice Haeny, also a representative in the Neuchâtel cantonal parliament; Aline Trede and Nadine Masshardt, both members of the National Council.

For further information:

FDFA Information
Pierre-Alain Eltschinger, Spokesperson
+41 (0)79 517 79 82


Further information:

Directorate of International Law
International Law Day 2014 (de)
Speech by the President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter (de,fr)


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