The Swiss definition of a refugee is “very restrictive” and excludes certain groups to their detriment, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/dos
Español
es
La ONU critica las “restrictivas” reglas de asilo suizas
This is particularly the case for those fleeing civil war, who are granted asylum only if they “can prove that they are individually persecuted”, the UNHCR wrote in a report published on Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
It is “particularly difficult” to come up with such proof in a context of civil war, “where groups of people are persecuted because they belong to the opposing camp or because they are suspected of doing so,” the UN agency said.
It mentions the example of a Syrian family, whose home was the target of a bomb strike by a group that suspected opponents were living there. But because this was not considered proof of targeted persecution, the family was granted only temporary admission status (F permit) in Switzerland.
Furthermore in Switzerland, unlike in other European countries, people admitted provisionally do not enjoy the same rights as refugees (B permits), Anja Klug, head of the UNHCR office for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, told the Keystone-SDA news agency.
Such people with provisional status face many obstacles, particularly in finding employment. They “simply don’t have the same opportunities to integrate,” Klug added. Today, nearly 50,000 people hold an F permit in Switzerland.
Overall, however, the UN agency said Switzerland generally respects the terms of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
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
Afghan refugee numbers pick up in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland does not expect a sustained wave of Afghan refugees despite large numbers crossing the border in recent months.
Asylum seekers to hand over smartphones before entering Switzerland
This content was published on
A controversial new law means Swiss authorities could in future scan the private data of asylum seekers to verify their backstories.
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.