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Federal Office for Civilian Service
Swiss government agency From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Federal Office for Civilian Service (CIVI)[a] 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.[1]
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (November 2025) |
The CIVI is subordinated to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER).
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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 (including the recognition of new ones).[1]
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.[1]
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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.[1]
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.[1]
Originally managed by the Civilian Service Executing Body, the agency was elevated as a federal office in 2019.
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See also
Notes
References
External links
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