Switzerland – 3rd – Non-judicial grievance mechanisms

3. New measures contained in the NAP 2024–27

(3.3) Pillar III: Access to remedy

Measure 8: Map and analyse obstacles preventing access to grievance mechanisms

Judicial and non-judicial grievance mechanisms will be exhaustively mapped out in order to inventory and demonstrate their complementary nature, as part of the effort to improve access to information and show what forms of remedy are available for victims of human rights abuses. In parallel, obstacles preventing access to these mechanisms will be identified and analysed with respect to the effectiveness 11 criteria contained in the UN Guiding Principles, while also taking gender considerations into account. The aim of this holistic approach is to improve the effectiveness and inclusivity of remedy mechanisms while increasing trust in the human rights protection system.

Objective	Indicator	Responsibility
Raise the visibility of judicial and non-judicial grievance mechanisms for victims of human rights abuses and analyse obstacles	Judicial and non-judicial mechanisms are mapped out and the end result is published. The mapping process includes an analysis of the extent to which the mechanisms are complementary and an analysis of obstacles preventing access to grievance mechanisms	FDFA/STS EAER/SECO

Measure 9: Encourage the private sector to set up grievance mechanisms

One of the expectations set out in the UN Guiding Principles is that companies should provide access to remedy for victims of business-related human rights abuses. When it comes to implementing the UN Guiding Principles, the federal government can play a role by helping companies, business associations and multi-stakeholder initiatives to create and put in place grievance mechanisms. Switzerland will support the Centre for Sport and Human Rights in designing and promoting a guide on access to remedy in order to help sports bodies create regulations that ensure access to effective remedy and to grievance mechanisms for victims of abuse in sport.

Objective	Indicator	Responsibility
Non-state grievance mechanisms can be used to help address human rights issues.	Advice is available on the NAP website and is shared by the Federal Administration with companies.   Existing grievance mechanisms are put in place by Swiss-based companies, multi-stakeholder initiatives and sports federations.	FDFA/STS EAER/SECO

Measure 10: Handling of complaints from human rights defenders

Switzerland supports human rights defenders, including in cases of business-related abuses. A standard operating procedure for analysing and monitoring communications will be developed to ensure that reports submitted by human rights defenders and civil society organisations, and those submitted in connection with special procedures involving Swiss companies, are systematically addressed.

Objective	Indicator	Responsibility
Reports received from human rights defenders and civil society organisations, and in connection with special procedures involving Swiss companies, are systematically addressed.	A standard operating procedure for analysing and monitoring communications is in place.	FDFA/STS

The 2024-27 National Action Plan is supplemental to the 2020-23 NAP. The 2020-2023 NAP explicitly addresses this issue.

Additional Information about the 2020-23 NAP can be found here.

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