Speaking out in favour of illegal immigrants
An estimated 2,000 demonstrators have called on the authorities to grant illegal immigrants a temporary right to stay in Switzerland.
The protesters marched through the streets of the capital, Bern, on Saturday demanding an end to deportations of people without valid residence permits, including rejected asylum seekers.
The organisers, which are supported by the Green Party, said the policy of the government was not in line with the Council of Europe, which champions human rights.
The party also said illegal immigrants are a pillar of the Swiss economy but they have no possibility to integrate into society and have no legal protection.
There are at least 100,000 illegal immigrants – or Sans Papiers – who work without residence permits in Switzerland according to support groups.
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