Conditions in Swiss asylum centres generally conform to fundamental rights standards, the national torture prevention commission has found. But there is still room for improvement.
Overall, it found, conditions were positive; it particularly highlighted for praise the spring 2017 decision to reverse a ban on mobile phones in centres. Most also now offer wireless internet access.
In most centres, the Commission found, security officers subjected all adult residents to a body search whenever they returned from an outside visit; in one case, children were also searched. Such practices should only be necessary in case of concrete suspicions, the NCPT wrote.
When it comes to disciplinary actions, the NCPT found that a verbal notification of the procedure is legally insufficient. A written notification outlining the details of the case, as well as all options for appeal, is necessary.
The Commission also noted that staff in federal asylum centres did not have precise instructions about how to identify, and deal with, residents who may have been victims of human trafficking.
Finally, though the medical examination of each arriving resident was praised, the NCPT said that access to psychiatric care was rare and confined to the most urgent cases.
More
More
Authorities seek collective health insurance for asylum seekers
This content was published on
The Swiss government has put out a public tender for a collective health insurance to cover all asylum seekers in its federal centres.
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
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
Why refugee numbers in Switzerland are falling
This content was published on
After a spike in 2016, asylum applications in Switzerland have been in steady decline. Migrants are seeking now seeking alternative routes.
In Zurich, Syrians mobilise in bid to boost mental health
This content was published on
The men and women gathered in a spartan room are a moving reminder of the vitality and diversity of Syrian society when the country was blooming.
This content was published on
The government’s integration packages for refugees in Switzerland are being used to good effect, but some support measures could be improved.
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.