MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French
Federal Department of Justice and Police
Bern, 23.09.2024 – Federal Councillor Beat Jans took part in the meeting of justice ministers of German-speaking countries in Luxembourg on 22 and 23 September 2024. The traditional meeting covered current issues such as the digitalisation of justice, the challenges of juvenile criminal law and experiences with the recognition of a third gender. On this occasion, Federal Councillor Beat Jans emphasised the importance of an efficient and accessible justice system that is in line with societal developments.
The justice ministers noted that all participating countries are currently working on digitalising their judicial systems in order to improve access to courts, but also to reduce the administrative burden.
Legislative work is also underway in Switzerland to modernise justice and make it even more efficient. This digital transition will also facilitate access to the courts, in particular through the electronic communication of judicial documents. The digitalisation of justice also represents a societal challenge: not all citizens have the necessary tools to benefit from the advantages of digital technology. Justice must therefore remain accessible through ordinary channels for these people.
Juvenile criminal law and youth protection were also on the agenda for discussion. Swiss juvenile criminal law is an example of effectiveness: in Switzerland, the adult recidivism rate of previously convicted minors is 31%, a relatively low figure in international comparison. Discussions also focused on guardianship law, more specifically in connection with the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. One of the issues to be resolved in the context of the work currently underway in Switzerland concerns the repeal of general guardianship.
The justice ministers also discussed the recognition of a third gender. Germany and Austria have already adopted regulations to this effect. In Switzerland, various measures are being considered to improve the situation of non-binary people. A reform in force since 2022 also allows transgender people to change their gender indication in the civil status register simply and free of charge.
The traditional meeting of German-speaking justice ministers took place this year in Luxembourg at the invitation of Luxembourg’s Minister of Justice Elisabeth Margue. In addition to Federal Councillor Beat Jans, the working visit brought together Liechtenstein’s Minister of Justice Graziella Marok-Wachter, German State Secretary for Justice Angelika Schlunck and representatives of the Austrian Ministry of Justice.
Address for sending questions
DFJP communications department, info@gs-ejpd.admin.ch, T 41 58 462 18 18
Author
Federal Department of Justice and Policehttp://www.ejpd.admin.ch
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.