Swiss Asylum Law

Human Rights Watch reported that a referendum will be held tomorrow (24 September) in Switzerland to vote on the implementation of proposed changes to the country's asylum law. ICAR blogged earlier about the pending vote here. The Office fédéral des migrations has compiled an FAQ and other documents explaining the changes.

A number of organizations are opposed to the proposed changes. For example, HRW has prepared an analysis detailing what it views as the "proposed law’s shortcomings as measured against international legal standards for the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers." The Swiss Refugee Council (OSAR) also advocates a "no" vote, and provides a list of other opponents and their statements. More information is provided on their asylum web page, including the text of the proposed law.

A contrary viewpoint has been expressed by Prof. Kay Hailbronner of the Center for International and European Law on Immigration and Asylum, as reported by Le Temps news. He believes the revisions, if implemented, would conform to international refugee law.

Posted in Publications.