Swiss too harsh towards foreign minors, claims rights group
The report also called on the authorities to do better due diligence on the situation in the minor’s country of origin before deciding their fate.
Keystone / Francesca Agosta
The Swiss authorities do not systematically look out for the best interests of children in asylum and foreigner procedures, according to a report published on Tuesday.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/ac
Español
es
Suiza es demasiado dura con los menores extranjeros, según un informe
Swiss practice is more restrictive than the case law of the European Court of Human Rights says a new report by the Swiss observatory for the rights of asylum seekers and foreigners.
The organisation calls for better protection of their right to family life. The possibility for children to bring their foreign parents to Switzerland (reverse family reunification) does not exist, unlike in many other European countries. According to the Federal Court, this is only possible for Swiss children, but the practice is extremely restrictive, according to the report.
The authors say it is also problematic that the Swiss authorities believe contact between a deported parent and their child via Skype is sufficient to maintain a relationship.
The organisation also urged the authorities to make it easier for children of asylum seekers in Switzerland to join their parents. In general, the Swiss authorities reject applications for humanitarian visas and family reunification in such cases. The report also called on the authorities to do better due diligence on the situation in the minor’s country of origin before deciding their fate.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
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?
Rhine could warm by up to 4°C by 2100, scientists warn
This content was published on
The water temperature of the Rhine River could rise by up to 4.2° degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to the warming planet, scientists warn.
This content was published on
The Federal Council wants to explore the possibilities of joining the European Union’s €800-billion rearmament programme without compromising Swiss neutrality.
Defence Minister Pfister stresses importance of Swiss mission in Balkans
This content was published on
During a visit to the Balkans region last week, Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister met Swisscoy peacekeeping troops in Kosovo.
Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day
This content was published on
On July 14, the Swiss Air Force will take part in the traditional air parade in Paris to mark the French bank holidays with an F/A-18 fighter jet. This is a first for Switzerland.
Swiss launch competition for memorial to Nazi victims
This content was published on
The victims of Nazi Germany are to be commemorated on the Casinoterrasse in Bern. A competition will be held to determine what the site will look like.
This content was published on
The cantonal police of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland have arrested and convicted five cocaine dealers in Chur within a week.
This content was published on
The Swiss business umbrella organisation Economiesuisse and the employers' association broadly support the package of agreements negotiated with the European Union.
Despite criticism, Switzerland continues to incarcerate minors
This content was published on
Each year, around 20 minors are locked up in Swiss prisons. Despite strong criticism, the Swiss parliament refuses to ban the practice.
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.