Alberto Achermann

Prof. Alberto Achermann serves as Associate Professor of Migration Law at the Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Bern, and directs the Center for Migration Law (cdm / ZFM).

Education:

• Born in 1961 in Madrid, Spain
• Schooling in Wädenswil and Einsiedeln, Switzerland; Matura completed 1981
• University of Bern (bar exam 1988) and European University Institute in Florence (LL.M. in European, International and Comparative Law)
• Doctorate from University of Bern (1996)

Professor Achermann specializes in Migration and Refugee Law, with significant contributions to International Human Rights frameworks and European legal systems. His work bridges academic theory with practical policy implementation in migration contexts, evidenced by his role as primary editor of the Swiss Yearbook of Migration Law and organizer of the annual Swiss Migration Law Days.

Professional Experience:

• Self-employed lawyer and legal consultant (2003-present)
• Member, National Commission for Prevention of Torture (2009-2019), serving as vice president and president (2016-2019)
• Central secretary of Swiss Refugee Council (SFH)
• Editorial board member of journal 'ASYL'
• Member of Federal Commission against Racism
• Lecturer in international law at University of Fribourg

Leadership Roles:

• Director of Center for Migration Law (cdm / ZFM)
• Primary editor of Swiss Yearbook of Migration Law
• Organizer of Swiss Migration Law Days
• Consultant to Council of Europe and various federal expert mandates