Civilian service turns 10

Under threat from falling numbers.

Switzerland’s civilian service – the alternative to military service – is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Over the past decade, about 15, 000 young Swiss have carried out duties in social and health fields, farming and helping with disaster relief. But the numbers of applicants has fallen by 20% over the past three years, prompting calls for reforms to stop the downward trend. (swissinfo.ch 6.11.2006)