The role of those undertaking civilian service in disasters and emergencies

In an interpellation, National Council member Evi Allemann asked the Federal Council to clarify the situation regarding the need to employ those undertaking civilian service, in the case of disasters and emergencies in Switzerland. The Security Policy Report 2010 had asked for an examination of this. In response to the interpellation, the Central Office for Civilian Service instructed EBP to clarify the need and draw up an independent report.

The basis for the clarification was provided by various fundamental principles, and in particular a total of 16 interviews with experts from the fields of civil protection, Federal administration and the Army.

The expert report

• analyses the general need for human resources in the case of disasters and emergencies, in addition to the existing and normally-used resources
• shows the current possibilities for the deployment of those undertaking civilian service to deal with disasters and emergencies
• makes clear in which areas those undertaking civilian service could satisfy the identified general need

The report also offers advice to the Central Office for Civilian Service on how to develop civilian service in order to satisfy the need.

A monitoring committee examined the work from various specialist and methodological viewpoints.

Bildquelle: Central Office for Civilian Service