Amnesty International has urged the Swiss government to reconsider possible repatriation flights of Ethiopian asylum seekers.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/ug
The human rights group said it was concerned about reports of a planned deportation operation next Wednesday of several Ethiopians whose asylum request was rejected by Switzerland.
Amnesty said the east African country was not safe due to ongoing political tensions, including serious human rights violations in the northern Tigray region ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for June.
The Swiss justice ministry’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) did not comment on the reports by the Migrant Solidarity Network group.
The SEM said last week that repatriation flights to Ethiopia were possible regardless of the coronavirus pandemic.
But such operations to conflict areas were excluded, a spokesman told the Swiss news agency, Keystone-SDA.
In November, the Swiss government pledged CHF2 million ($2.3 million) for humanitarian aid in the violence-hit Tigray region. It has called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
Media: Swiss medical services done abroad are billed at Swiss rates
This content was published on
In Switzerland, some medical services carried out abroad are still billed at Swiss rates, despite costing less, RTS reports.
This content was published on
Sophie Hediger, a member of the Swiss national snowboard cross team, has died in an avalanche in Arosa. She was 26 years old.
This content was published on
Several Swiss films exceeded the 100,000 admissions mark worldwide in 2024 and received widespread praise at international film festivals.
Swiss Alpine resorts covered in white gold for Christmas
This content was published on
Many areas at low altitudes in Switzerland are enjoying a blanket of snow. In the mountains, intense precipitation has delighted skiers.
SWISS makes emergency landing in Austria after smoke in cockpit
This content was published on
Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) made an emergency landing of an Airbus in Graz, Austria on Monday evening after engine problems.
L’Oréal acquires South Korean subsidiary of Migros’ cosmetics brand
This content was published on
French cosmetics firm L'Oréal is acquiring Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, the South Korean subsidiary of the Migros-owned Mibelle group, for an undisclosed sum.
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
Landmark forum seeks ‘better answers’ to refugee response
This content was published on
The first-ever “Global Refugee Forum” opens in Geneva on Monday to identify practical solutions to improve the lives of refugees and host communities.
Switzerland calls for de-escalation and dialogue in Ethiopia
This content was published on
Switzerland has expressed its concern about developments in Ethiopia, calling for a de-escalation of violence and a return to dialogue.
This content was published on
Recognized refugees who return to their home countries will lose their refugee status in Switzerland, but some exceptions will still be allowed.
Call to speed up deportation of Eritreans rejected
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament stops short of forcing the government to open talks with the Eritrean authorities on a repatriation accord.
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.