Nearly 60% of people who called FIZ's counselling centre for migrant women were sex workers
Keystone / Jean-christophe Bott
More than 300 victims of human trafficking in Switzerland received support last year from the “Advocacy and Support for Migrant Women and Victims of Trafficking” (FIZ) service.
This is a “sad record”, FIZ said in its annual reportExternal link on Monday. There had been 255 cases in 2019.
The majority of trafficking victims are women, said the Zurich-based organisation, which also helps men and transgender people. It said its victim protection programme had helped more than 300 people from 57 countries – mostly Nigeria, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Congo and Serbia – escape exploitation and violence.
More
More
Human trafficking remains a problem for Switzerland
This content was published on
Taken together with the 113 ongoing consultations from previous years, FIZ says the number of cases of women being trafficked into the country (many for prostitution) remains high. In 2017, FIZ provided support for 228 women. To combat the problem, FIZExternal link has joined forces with Church groups to provide better care for the victims. The Zurich-based entity will receive funding…
The Covid-19 pandemic had created social isolation and led to the cancellation of language courses and employment opportunities, it explained. The need for psychosocial support and counselling had therefore increased.
Due to the pandemic, FIZ increased the number of beds in the shelters and organised additional accommodation to prevent infections.
Counselling centre
FIZ’s other service, a counselling centre for migrant women, received 705 people in 2020, compared with 377 the previous year.
Nearly 60% of them were sex workers, mainly from Latin America and Eastern Europe. The pandemic left most of them without income overnight. They were unable to pay their health insurance contributions or rent or buy food.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Switzerland condemns rocket attack on Golan Heights sports pitch
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has condemned a rocket attack on a football pitch in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of twelve children and young people.
Groundbreaking claims expected after Crowdstrike IT breakdown
This content was published on
The claims for damages following the recent global IT breakdown of Crowdstrike are expected to be groundbreaking, according to Matthias Stürmer, a professor of digitalisation at Bern University of Applied Sciences.
Swiss National Bank Chairman encourages public engagement in financial issues
This content was published on
Jordan emphasised the importance of financial literacy, noting its relevance in everyday life, such as when looking for a job, taking out a mortgage, preparing for retirement or saving.
No Swiss Federal Council speech at Rütli for August 1 celebrations
This content was published on
Traditionally, a member from the Swiss Federal Council makes an appearance on the Rütli meadow in canton Uri during the August 1 celebrations.
Swiss government investigates historical treatment of Yenish people
This content was published on
The Swiss government has commissioned a legal opinion to clarify Switzerland's role in the treatment of the Yenish community.
Switzerland participates in ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting
This content was published on
This engagement was part of a four-day tour of Southeast Asia, aimed at advancing the Swiss Federal Council's Southeast Asia Strategy.
Majority of shareholders approve sustainability reports of major Swiss companies
This content was published on
Shareholders have approved the sustainability reports of the largest Swiss companies by a large majority at their annual general meetings.
EU releases €1.5B frozen assets to Ukraine: Switzerland opts out
This content was published on
The EU announced the release of €1.5 billion (CHF1.44 billion) in aid to Ukraine. Switzerland will not follow the EU's approach.
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
255 cases of human trafficking in Switzerland in 2019
This content was published on
Last year marked a record high number of cases of human trafficking in Switzerland, a support group for female migrants reported on Monday.
This content was published on
Swiss authorities have launched an awareness campaign to help identify victims of trafficking who are being forced to work in the country.
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.