Waiting inside the deportation prison at Zurich airport
Keystone
Switzerland is facing criticism about its asylum policy in Amnesty International’s annual round-up by of human rights abuses worldwide. The organisation targets the practice of forced deportations.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch and agencies
The chapter on Switzerland recalls the case of the rejected Nigerian asylum seeker who was beaten by police officers at Zurich airport in July 2011. Amnesty says the incident was never examined by independent experts.
It also criticises the slow pace of a legal investigation into the death of another Nigerian asylum seeker who was to be put on a deportation flight in March 2010. His family still has not received any financial damages, according to Amnesty.
Cuts in welfare benefits and conditions at asylum centres have also come in for criticism by the London-based human rights group.
As in previous years, Amnesty refers to a perceived lack of legal means to fight racism and discrimination.
The chapter on Switzerland is part of a global overview which highlights the pro-democracy movements in the Middle East. However, Amnesty says vocal support for the protests shown by many global and regional powers has not translated into action.
Popular Stories
More
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
“The mood towards foreigners has worsened”
This content was published on
As he prepares to step down after 16 years in the job, he tells swissinfo.ch that part of the reason is the neoliberal climate with its emphasis on competition and where every person is encouraged to be out for themselves. The job of the commission is not to change people’s beliefs, but rather to ensure…
This content was published on
The Federation has come under sustained criticism for its role in the monitoring of deportation flights from many of its members who felt the participation in the pilot project was tantamount to supporting the deportations. As a signatory to Europe’s Dublin accord on asylum seekers, Switzerland is obliged to have a monitoring system for deportation flights…
This content was published on
This issue has been in the headlines after the government proposed to increase return assistance for illegal aliens to limit controversial deportation flights. A return project in Geneva aimed at North African immigrants is also gaining wider interest. The cabinet on Wednesday launched a consultation process to reform financial aid for asylum seekers and refugees.…
This content was published on
In 2010, four years after changing the legislation on asylum and foreign residents, the Swiss electorate accepted a controversial deportation initiative. The rightwing proposal aimed to automatically deport foreign nationals convicted of particular crimes. These include sex crimes, robbery, drug dealing and social welfare abuse. Capturing the intent of the initiative in a piece of legislation…
This content was published on
The charter of the United Nations, founded in 1945, aims to promote the respect and implementation of basic and human rights. Until the Second World War, human rights were almost always a matter of individual states.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.