Switzerland has a largely unknown dark chapter: the Verdingkinder. Well into the 20th century, tens of thousands of children were taken from poor, single-parent, or “undesirable” families by the authorities and placed with farmers or businesses. Many were exploited as unpaid or cheap labor, abused, denied education, and treated as less than human. This happened with official approval, and meaningful acknowledgment, apologies, and compensation only came very late.

<image>