During its Human Rights meeting of 23-25 September, the Committee of Ministers decided to end the supervision of execution of the Strasbourg Court’s judgment in Howald Moor and Others. This case concerned the non-access to courts of asbestos victims due to the ten-year limitation period which started to run irrespective of whether the claimants were aware of the effects of asbestos on their health.
In response to this judgment, the authorities created the "Asbestos Victims Compensation Fund" in order to provide financial support and psychosocial care to individuals who, since 2006, have contracted a malignant tumour related to asbestos. As at 31 December 2018, the Fund had awarded a total of CHF 5.8 million concerning 56 cases. In addition, as from 1 January 2020 the claims’ limitation period in cases related to death or bodily injuries is extended to 20 years.
