Restraints still used during migrant deportation, says watchdog
Forced repatriations have often been the subject of protests in Switzerland.
Keystone / Martial Trezzini
Swiss authorities are still using restraints during forced repatriations of migrants, regrets the National Commission for the Prevention of Torture (NCPT).
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jc
Español
es
Suiza emplea aún medios de coerción durante las repatriaciones
In a reportExternal link published on Tuesday, the commission said that staff carrying out the forced removals were generally professional and respectful. However, in some 62% of cases observed by the NCPT, returnees were partially restrained during transfer and at the airport, sometimes with handcuffs or a belt.
The report covers the period from April to December 2021, during which it said it observed 33 special repatriation flights. A total of 130 people, including six families and 15 children, were repatriated. The NCPT was also present in eight cases during the airport pick-up and drop-off for repatriation on scheduled flights.
In its report, the commission reminds the authorities that restraint measures should only be used in cases where a person is directly endangering their own safety or the safety of others. It also regrets that in some cases children witnessed a parent being restrained.
The NCPT reports a particularly problematic case of a pregnant mother who was handcuffed in the presence of her children and had to breastfeed a child while handcuffed. She also remained handcuffed during examination by the doctor called to the scene. The commission considers this treatment “degrading and inhumane”.
The commission also observed 17 cases where individuals were coerced into Covid-19 tests at the airport. In two cases the individual was held down by police escorts during the test. The NCPT denounced the use of such coercive testing of people being repatriated.
Popular Stories
More
Demographics
Flat-hunting in Switzerland’s cheapest and most expensive municipalities
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Swiss parliament calls for pilot project for digital signature collection
This content was published on
The electronic collection of signatures for initiatives and referendums is to be trialled in a pilot project. After the Council of States, the National Council also approved a corresponding proposal on Monday.
Two thirds of Swiss apprentices face psychological issues
This content was published on
Two thirds of Swiss apprentices suffer from psychological problems and do not find support in the vocational training system
This content was published on
Following an increase in exports to the United States in the first quarter, the Swiss economy is bracing itself for a tariff backlash.
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
Children suffer in ‘run down’ Swiss deportation facilities
This content was published on
Three Swiss deportation centres have been criticised for failing to adequately care for vulnerable children and families.
This content was published on
While Switzerland sent nearly 57% of its rejected asylum seekers back home in 2017, the average figure for EU nations was just under 37%.
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.