In the midst of societal evolution, where the notion of family has diversified and the dynamics within them have become increasingly complex, a movement in Geneva, Switzerland, has been gaining momentum, advocating for a more balanced and fair treatment of parents, especially fathers, in the aftermath of contentious separations. This narrative delves into the struggle faced by some fathers who feel marginalized and wronged by the current system and the proactive steps being taken by individuals and groups to seek reforms.
The “Mouvement Parents, infants, jeunesses (MPEJ)” in Geneva has recently initiated a petition calling for the establishment of an independent monitoring and regulatory body to oversee the actions of child protection workers within the canton. This initiative reflects a broader concern over the perceived biases and procedural shortcomings in the Service genevois de protection des mineurs (SPMi), which is accused of favoring mothers in custody disputes, leading to fathers being unjustly deprived of their children.
Philippe Oberson, a spokesperson for MPEJ and a candidate for the Conseil d’Etat in 2023 with the Résistance populaire list, has been a vocal advocate for fathers’ rights for 15 years. Oberson, alongside other supporters, criticizes the existing system for its cognitive biases that often sideline fathers based on unfounded allegations of violence or abuse, typically made by the ex-partners. Such allegations can have devastating effects, leading to fathers being partially or totally estranged from their children, with significant psychological tolls on all involved parties.
The petition demands not only the creation of a supervisory body with sanctioning powers but also calls for all interactions between families and child protection professionals to be meticulously documented or recorded. This move aims at ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the handling of custody and welfare cases, where the current practice is seen as opaque and often unjust.
Another pressing issue highlighted by the movement is the legal and social consequences faced by those making false accusations. While the Swiss Penal Code provides for up to five years of imprisonment for slanderous denunciations, the punishment meted out is often minimal, lacking the deterrent effect needed to prevent such destructive behavior.
Julien Dura, founder of MPEJ and author of “À la mémoire des parents de seconde zone,” emphasizes the lasting damage inflicted on the parent-child relationship by such conflicts. The petition he initiated also demands stricter penalties for those found guilty of making false allegations, aiming to protect the best interests of the child, which are too often overshadowed by the contentious actions of adults.
Despite the challenges, there remains a legal recourse for those aggrieved by the decisions of the SPMi, as highlighted by Lauranne Peman-Bartolini, spokesperson for the Department of Public Education, Training, and Youth. Any action by the SPMi can be contested through appeals to the Tribunal de protection de l’adulte et de l’enfant, ensuring that the fundamental principles of justice are upheld.
The petition by MPEJ has already garnered over 300 signatures, signaling a growing awareness and concern among the public for the need to ensure fairness and equity in child custody and protection matters. This movement not only seeks immediate changes within the Canton of Geneva but also aims to inspire similar reforms in other regions, advocating for a system that truly prioritizes the well-being and rights of all family members.