The activist network, which aims to amplify the voices of refugees at the political level, denounced conditions in militia-run detention camps in Libya – a launching pad for migrants trying to reach the shores of Europe. It also singled out the situation of refugees in Greece – a gateway for refugees coming from Turkey and beyond.
Tight controls, deteriorating conditions
On the domestic front, the demonstration aimed to call attention to problems with asylum camps at the federal and cantonal level. “Federal asylum camps are organized like prisons,” said the network in a statement. “Hundreds of people live in confined spaces without any privacy. The obligation to be present in the camp robs people of their freedom.”
The Bern-based network also criticised how people are filmed, controlled and surveilled at federal centers. It decried the limits to access for visitors, including human rights organisations.
If Swiss federal authorities do not reach an asylum decision within the mandated period of 140 days, the person is then transferred to a cantonal camp to wait.
According to the pro-migrant network, conditions are deteriorating in cantonal camps and protracted stays are resulting in mental and physical illness.
“Many are frustrated, traumatised or become aggressive,” noted the statement.
New rules on asylum procedures came into force in Switzerland earlier this year with the central aim of providing faster decisions on such cases.
In 2015, asylum proceedings lasted an average of 280 days. The target of federal authorities is to reach a decision in 140 days.
Saturday’s demonstration had been approved by the city of Bern.
More
More
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.
Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?
Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.
AI can reduce the number of animals needed for research
This content was published on
Swiss researchers have developed a new, AI-supported method that analyses the behaviour of mice in the laboratory more efficiently.
Geneva Conventions conference on Middle East scheduled for March 2025
This content was published on
The conference on the Middle East of the 196 States party to the Geneva Conventions, organised by Switzerland, will take place in Geneva in March.
Swiss university graduates are popular hires worldwide
This content was published on
Graduates of Swiss universities are popular with international employers, according to the Global Employability University Rankings.
French cross-border workers in Switzerland fear ‘discriminatory’ unemployment reform
This content was published on
In the French region around Geneva, cross-border workers are protesting proposals to cut unemployment benefits for those working in Switzerland.
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
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.
Swiss priest appeals fine for helping asylum seeker
This content was published on
A hearing took place on Thursday to examine the appeal of a Swiss priest against a fine he was handed for sheltering a rejected asylum seeker.
This content was published on
After a spike in 2016, asylum applications in Switzerland have been in steady decline. Migrants are seeking now seeking alternative routes.
This content was published on
Dominik Hangartner of ETH Zurich has been awarded the 2019 Latsis Prize for recognition of his work on migration policies and how to improve them.
Dangerous asylum seekers continue to remain in Switzerland
This content was published on
34 out of 38 persons whose asylum applications were recommended for rejection by the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) remain 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.