| SWITZERLAND Swiss Confederation Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German) Confederation Suisse (French) Confederazione Svizzera (Italian) Joined United Nations: 10 September 2002 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 01/01/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Bern
7,623,438 (July 2010 est.)
Micheline Calmy-Rey
President since 1 January 2011
President since 1 January 2011
President and vice president elected by the Federal Assembly
from among the members of the Federal Council for a one-year
term (they may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 8
December 2010
Next scheduled election: December 2011
from among the members of the Federal Council for a one-year
term (they may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 8
December 2010
Next scheduled election: December 2011
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
According to the Swiss Constitution, the President is the Chief
of State and Head of Government
of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 41.8%, Protestant 35.3%, Muslim 4.3%, Orthodox 1.8%, other Christian 0.4%, other 1%,
unspecified 4.3%, none 11.1% (2000 census)
unspecified 4.3%, none 11.1% (2000 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Formally a Confederation, but similar in structure to a Federal Republic comprised of 26 cantons (cantons, singular -
canton in French; cantoni, singular - cantone in Italian; kantone, singular - kanton in German); Legal system is a civil
law system influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislative acts, except with respect to federal decrees of
general obligatory character; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: president and vice president elected by the Federal Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council
for a one-year term (they may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 08 December 2011 (next to be held in
December 2010)
Legislative: Bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung (in German), Assemblee Federale (in French),
Assemblea Federale (in Italian) consists of the Council of States or Standerat (in German), Conseil des Etats (in
French), Consiglio degli Stati (in Italian) (46 seats - consists of two representatives from each canton and one from
each half canton; members serve four-year terms) and the National Council or Nationalrat (in German), Conseil
National (in French), Consiglio Nazionale (in Italian) (200 seats - members are elected by popular vote on the basis
of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: Council of States - last held in most cantons October 2007 (each canton determines when the next election
will be held); National Council - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held in October 2011)
Judicial: Federal Supreme Court (judges elected for six-year terms by the Federal Assembly)
canton in French; cantoni, singular - cantone in Italian; kantone, singular - kanton in German); Legal system is a civil
law system influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislative acts, except with respect to federal decrees of
general obligatory character; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: president and vice president elected by the Federal Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council
for a one-year term (they may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 08 December 2011 (next to be held in
December 2010)
Legislative: Bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung (in German), Assemblee Federale (in French),
Assemblea Federale (in Italian) consists of the Council of States or Standerat (in German), Conseil des Etats (in
French), Consiglio degli Stati (in Italian) (46 seats - consists of two representatives from each canton and one from
each half canton; members serve four-year terms) and the National Council or Nationalrat (in German), Conseil
National (in French), Consiglio Nazionale (in Italian) (200 seats - members are elected by popular vote on the basis
of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: Council of States - last held in most cantons October 2007 (each canton determines when the next election
will be held); National Council - last held on 21 October 2007 (next to be held in October 2011)
Judicial: Federal Supreme Court (judges elected for six-year terms by the Federal Assembly)
| LANGUAGES |
German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 20.4%, Italian (official) 6.5%, Serbo-Croatian 1.5%, Albanian 1.3%,
Portuguese 1.2%, Spanish 1.1%, English 1%, Romansch 0.5%, other 2.8% (2000 census)
note: German, French, Italian, and Romansch are all national languages, but only the first three are official languages
Portuguese 1.2%, Spanish 1.1%, English 1%, Romansch 0.5%, other 2.8% (2000 census)
note: German, French, Italian, and Romansch are all national languages, but only the first three are official languages
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor
force, and a per capita GDP among the highest in the world. Switzerland's economy benefits from a highly developed
service sector, led by financial services, and a manufacturing industry that specializes in high-technology,
knowledge-based production. In recent years the Swiss have brought their economic practices largely into
conformity with the EU's, in order to enhance their international competitiveness, but some trade protectionism
remains, particularly for its small agricultural sector. The global financial crisis and resulting economic downturn put
Switzerland in a recession in 2009 as global export demand stalled. The Swiss National Bank during this period
effectively implemented a zero-interest rate policy in a bid to boost the economy and prevent appreciation of the
franc. Switzerland's economy will probably experience modest GDP growth in 2010, when Bern is scheduled to
implement a third fiscal stimulus program, but its prized banking sector has recently faced significant challenges. The
country's largest banks suffered sizable losses in 2008-09, leading its largest bank to accept a government rescue
deal in late 2008. Switzerland has also come under increasing pressure from individual neighboring countries, the EU,
the US, and international institutions to reform its banking secrecy laws. Consequently, the government agreed to
conform to OECD regulations on administrative assistance in tax matters, including tax evasion. The government has
renegotiated its double taxation agreements with numerous countries, including the US, to incorporate the OECD
standard. Parliament will vote on the first five negotiated agreements, including the agreement with the US, in March
2010. These agreements, if passed by Parliament, will be subject to public referendum. In 2009, Swiss financial
regulators ordered the country's largest bank to reveal at Washington's behest the names of US account-holders
suspected of using the bank to commit tax fraud. These steps will have a lasting impact on Switzerland's long history
of bank secrecy.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Switzerland)
force, and a per capita GDP among the highest in the world. Switzerland's economy benefits from a highly developed
service sector, led by financial services, and a manufacturing industry that specializes in high-technology,
knowledge-based production. In recent years the Swiss have brought their economic practices largely into
conformity with the EU's, in order to enhance their international competitiveness, but some trade protectionism
remains, particularly for its small agricultural sector. The global financial crisis and resulting economic downturn put
Switzerland in a recession in 2009 as global export demand stalled. The Swiss National Bank during this period
effectively implemented a zero-interest rate policy in a bid to boost the economy and prevent appreciation of the
franc. Switzerland's economy will probably experience modest GDP growth in 2010, when Bern is scheduled to
implement a third fiscal stimulus program, but its prized banking sector has recently faced significant challenges. The
country's largest banks suffered sizable losses in 2008-09, leading its largest bank to accept a government rescue
deal in late 2008. Switzerland has also come under increasing pressure from individual neighboring countries, the EU,
the US, and international institutions to reform its banking secrecy laws. Consequently, the government agreed to
conform to OECD regulations on administrative assistance in tax matters, including tax evasion. The government has
renegotiated its double taxation agreements with numerous countries, including the US, to incorporate the OECD
standard. Parliament will vote on the first five negotiated agreements, including the agreement with the US, in March
2010. These agreements, if passed by Parliament, will be subject to public referendum. In 2009, Swiss financial
regulators ordered the country's largest bank to reveal at Washington's behest the names of US account-holders
suspected of using the bank to commit tax fraud. These steps will have a lasting impact on Switzerland's long history
of bank secrecy.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Switzerland)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
In recent years, Switzerland has seen a gradual shift in the party landscape. The rightist Swiss People's Party (SVP),
traditionally the junior partner in the four-party coalition government, more than doubled its voting share from 11.0%
in 1987 to 22.5% in 1999, thus overtaking its three coalition partners. This shift in voting shares put a strain on the
"magic formula", the power-broking agreement of the four coalition parties. Since 1959 the seven-seat cabinet had
comprised 2 Free Democrats, 2 Christian Democrats, 2 Social Democrats, and 1 Swiss People's Party, but in 2004,
the Swiss People's Party took one seat from the Christian Democrats.
The Swiss Federal Constitution limits federal influence in the formulation of domestic policy and emphasizes the roles
of private enterprise and cantonal government. However, the Confederation has been compelled to enlarge its
policymaking powers in recent years to cope with national problems such as education, agriculture, health, energy,
the environment, organized crime, and narcotics.
The Index of perception of corruption puts Switzerland among the least corrupt nations. In the 2005 survey,
Switzerland ranks 7th (out of 158 surveyed), with 9.1 out of 10 possible points, representing an improvement of 0.4
points over the past four years.
On 08 December 2010, Switzerland elected women as president and vice president of the Federal Council. The
election of a four woman to the council gave women the majority of the seven member national leadership.
Sources: Wikipedia Politics of Switzerland
traditionally the junior partner in the four-party coalition government, more than doubled its voting share from 11.0%
in 1987 to 22.5% in 1999, thus overtaking its three coalition partners. This shift in voting shares put a strain on the
"magic formula", the power-broking agreement of the four coalition parties. Since 1959 the seven-seat cabinet had
comprised 2 Free Democrats, 2 Christian Democrats, 2 Social Democrats, and 1 Swiss People's Party, but in 2004,
the Swiss People's Party took one seat from the Christian Democrats.
The Swiss Federal Constitution limits federal influence in the formulation of domestic policy and emphasizes the roles
of private enterprise and cantonal government. However, the Confederation has been compelled to enlarge its
policymaking powers in recent years to cope with national problems such as education, agriculture, health, energy,
the environment, organized crime, and narcotics.
The Index of perception of corruption puts Switzerland among the least corrupt nations. In the 2005 survey,
Switzerland ranks 7th (out of 158 surveyed), with 9.1 out of 10 possible points, representing an improvement of 0.4
points over the past four years.
On 08 December 2010, Switzerland elected women as president and vice president of the Federal Council. The
election of a four woman to the council gave women the majority of the seven member national leadership.
Sources: Wikipedia Politics of Switzerland
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
A major international financial center vulnerable to the layering and integration stages of money laundering; despite
significant legislation and reporting requirements, secrecy rules persist and nonresidents are permitted to conduct
business through offshore entities and various intermediaries; transit country for and consumer of South American
cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and Western European synthetics; domestic cannabis cultivation and very limited
ecstasy production
significant legislation and reporting requirements, secrecy rules persist and nonresidents are permitted to conduct
business through offshore entities and various intermediaries; transit country for and consumer of South American
cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and Western European synthetics; domestic cannabis cultivation and very limited
ecstasy production
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Switzerland
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Swiss Confederation, population 7.5 million, is a constitutional republic with a federal structure. Legislative authority is vested
in a bicameral parliament (Federal Assembly) including the Council of States and the National Council. The 46 members of the
Council of States are elected directly in the cantons by majority voting. The 200 members of the National Council are elected in
each canton under a system of proportional representation. Free and fair elections to parliament took place in 2007. Parliament
chooses the executive leadership (the Federal Council), which consisted of a coalition of five parties. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Swiss Confederation, population 7.5 million, is a constitutional republic with a federal structure. Legislative authority is vested
in a bicameral parliament (Federal Assembly) including the Council of States and the National Council. The 46 members of the
Council of States are elected directly in the cantons by majority voting. The 200 members of the National Council are elected in
each canton under a system of proportional representation. Free and fair elections to parliament took place in 2007. Parliament
chooses the executive leadership (the Federal Council), which consisted of a coalition of five parties. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
- There were reports that police at times used excessive force, occasionally with impunity.
- Other human rights problems were lengthy pretrial detention,
- instances of societal discrimination against Muslims,
- anti-Semitic incidents,
- violence against women,
- trafficking in persons,
- discrimination against minorities.
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Committee against Torture
Forty-fourth session
April 26 to May 14, 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under Article 19 of the Convention
Concluding Observations of the Committee against Torture
Switzerland
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the sixth periodic report of Switzerland, follows the guidelines for reporting and responses to the list
of issues. It hosts high-level delegation of the State and multisectoral and notes with appreciation the frank and constructive
dialogue it had with her, and information, additional explanations and additional information that The delegation provided to the
Committee.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the ratification of international instruments
below:
a) Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (September 24, 2009);
b) Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography of
Children (September 19, 2006);
c) Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (26 June 2002)
C. Concerns and recommendations
Definition of Torture
5. While noting that a good number of acts also constitute torture, are implicated in the Swiss criminal law Criminal Switzerland
(Arts. 111-117, 122-128, 180-185 and 189-193), the Committee is concerned, despite its previous
recommendation(CAT/C/CR/34/CHE, 2005, paras. 4 (b) and 5 (a)), the absence in the Swiss legislation definition of torture that
covers all the elements contained in Article I of the Convention (art. 1).
The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party include in its Criminal Code a definition of torture in all elements
contained in Article I of the Convention.
Click here to read more »
Committee against Torture
Forty-fourth session
April 26 to May 14, 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under Article 19 of the Convention
Concluding Observations of the Committee against Torture
Switzerland
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the sixth periodic report of Switzerland, follows the guidelines for reporting and responses to the list
of issues. It hosts high-level delegation of the State and multisectoral and notes with appreciation the frank and constructive
dialogue it had with her, and information, additional explanations and additional information that The delegation provided to the
Committee.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the ratification of international instruments
below:
a) Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (September 24, 2009);
b) Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography of
Children (September 19, 2006);
c) Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (26 June 2002)
C. Concerns and recommendations
Definition of Torture
5. While noting that a good number of acts also constitute torture, are implicated in the Swiss criminal law Criminal Switzerland
(Arts. 111-117, 122-128, 180-185 and 189-193), the Committee is concerned, despite its previous
recommendation(CAT/C/CR/34/CHE, 2005, paras. 4 (b) and 5 (a)), the absence in the Swiss legislation definition of torture that
covers all the elements contained in Article I of the Convention (art. 1).
The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party include in its Criminal Code a definition of torture in all elements
contained in Article I of the Convention.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT- 2010
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Trend Arrow
Switzerland received a downward trend arrow due to referendum voters’ approval of a constitutional ban on the
construction of minarets.
Overview
In a highly controversial national referendum in November 2009, Swiss citizens approved a ban on the future construction of
minarets on mosques, sparking domestic and international condemnation. Following a series of deals with European countries
which allowed for the sharing of bank information, Switzerland was removed from the Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development’s “grey list” of tax havens in September.
Switzerland, a major banking center, was severely hit by the global financial crisis in 2008, which renewed international criticism of
the country’s strict bank secrecy laws. In March 2009, Switzerland agreed to adopt international transparency standards
established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) by providing foreign governments with
financial information for tax evasion cases, in addition to tax fraud investigations. However, financial data sharing will be assessed
on a case by case basis, and significant evidence will be required before information on individuals can be released.
The SVP continued its efforts to ban the construction of minarets on mosques in 2009 and successfully petitioned for a November
referendum on the issue. Despite government opposition, nearly 58 percent of the population and 22 out of 26 cantons voted in
favor of the referendum, effectively prohibiting the future construction of minarets at the constitutional level. However, the four
mosques with existing minarets would not be affected. The ban was met with considerable domestic and international criticism,
and human rights organizations considered it a violation of the European Human Rights Convention.
Switzerland is an electoral democracy. The constitution of 1848, significantly revised in 1874 and 2000, provides for a Federal
Assembly with two directly elected chambers: the Council of States (in which each canton has two members and each half-canton
has one) and the 200-member National Council. All lawmakers serve four-year terms. The Federal Council (cabinet) is a seven-
person executive council, with each member elected by the Federal Assembly. The presidency is largely ceremonial and rotates
annually among the Federal Council’s members.
The Swiss political system is characterized by decentralization and direct democracy. The cantons and half-cantons have
significant control over economic and social policy, with the federal government’s powers largely limited to foreign affairs and
some economic matters. Referendums are common; any measure that modifies the constitution must be put to a referendum. A
new or revised law must also be put to a referendum and requires 50,000 signatures in favor of doing so. Voters may even initiate
legislation themselves with 100,000 signatures. The main political parties have long been the SVP, the SP, the right-wing and free-
market FDP, and the CVP.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Trend Arrow
Switzerland received a downward trend arrow due to referendum voters’ approval of a constitutional ban on the
construction of minarets.
Overview
In a highly controversial national referendum in November 2009, Swiss citizens approved a ban on the future construction of
minarets on mosques, sparking domestic and international condemnation. Following a series of deals with European countries
which allowed for the sharing of bank information, Switzerland was removed from the Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development’s “grey list” of tax havens in September.
Switzerland, a major banking center, was severely hit by the global financial crisis in 2008, which renewed international criticism of
the country’s strict bank secrecy laws. In March 2009, Switzerland agreed to adopt international transparency standards
established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) by providing foreign governments with
financial information for tax evasion cases, in addition to tax fraud investigations. However, financial data sharing will be assessed
on a case by case basis, and significant evidence will be required before information on individuals can be released.
The SVP continued its efforts to ban the construction of minarets on mosques in 2009 and successfully petitioned for a November
referendum on the issue. Despite government opposition, nearly 58 percent of the population and 22 out of 26 cantons voted in
favor of the referendum, effectively prohibiting the future construction of minarets at the constitutional level. However, the four
mosques with existing minarets would not be affected. The ban was met with considerable domestic and international criticism,
and human rights organizations considered it a violation of the European Human Rights Convention.
Switzerland is an electoral democracy. The constitution of 1848, significantly revised in 1874 and 2000, provides for a Federal
Assembly with two directly elected chambers: the Council of States (in which each canton has two members and each half-canton
has one) and the 200-member National Council. All lawmakers serve four-year terms. The Federal Council (cabinet) is a seven-
person executive council, with each member elected by the Federal Assembly. The presidency is largely ceremonial and rotates
annually among the Federal Council’s members.
The Swiss political system is characterized by decentralization and direct democracy. The cantons and half-cantons have
significant control over economic and social policy, with the federal government’s powers largely limited to foreign affairs and
some economic matters. Referendums are common; any measure that modifies the constitution must be put to a referendum. A
new or revised law must also be put to a referendum and requires 50,000 signatures in favor of doing so. Voters may even initiate
legislation themselves with 100,000 signatures. The main political parties have long been the SVP, the SP, the right-wing and free-
market FDP, and the CVP.
Click here to read more »
Swiss businessman held in Libya returns home
15 June 2010
Amnesty International has welcomed the safe return home of a Swiss businessman, who served a four month prison sentence in
Libya and who had been effectively banned from leaving the country since 2008.
Max Goeldi was convicted of politically motivated immigration charges in February. Prior to his conviction, he had been the subject
of a travel ban as a result of a diplomatic row between Libya and Switzerland over the arrest of the son of Libyan leader Mu'ammar
al-Gaddafi.
Max Goeldi arrived at Zurich airport on Sunday after being released from prison on Thursday.
His family have thanked Amnesty International for the support provided while Max Goeldi was trapped in Libya.
"We are very pleased that Max Goeldi and his family have been reunited after some two years. Max Goeldi was a casualty of the
diplomatic row between Switzerland and Libya and was targeted because of his nationality," said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy
Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa programme.
Both Max Goeldi and another Swiss businessman, Rachid Hamdani, were held by the Libyan authorities in July 2008, following the
brief arrest in Switzerland of the son of Libyan leader Mu'ammar al-Gaddafi.
The two men were released on bail and banned from leaving the country. They were arrested again in September 2009 and detained
incommunicado for over 50 days before being released again.
They were tried this February while sheltering in the Swiss embassy in Tripoli.
On 6 February 2010, Max Goeldi was sentenced to four months in prison for allegedly breaching immigration regulations. He was
also convicted of breaching commercial regulations and fined 1000 dinars (about US$800).
The following day, Rachid Hamdani was cleared of charges of breaking commercial regulations and was given permission to leave
the country on 22 February 2010.
Hamdani had won an appeal against his conviction on immigration charges on 31 January.
Relations between the two countries soured significantly after the Swiss police arrested Hannibal al-Gaddafi, son of Libyan
President Mu'ammar al-Gaddafi, and his wife on 15 July 2008 in Geneva. The charges against Hannibal al-Gaddafi were since
dropped.
Click here to read more »
15 June 2010
Amnesty International has welcomed the safe return home of a Swiss businessman, who served a four month prison sentence in
Libya and who had been effectively banned from leaving the country since 2008.
Max Goeldi was convicted of politically motivated immigration charges in February. Prior to his conviction, he had been the subject
of a travel ban as a result of a diplomatic row between Libya and Switzerland over the arrest of the son of Libyan leader Mu'ammar
al-Gaddafi.
Max Goeldi arrived at Zurich airport on Sunday after being released from prison on Thursday.
His family have thanked Amnesty International for the support provided while Max Goeldi was trapped in Libya.
"We are very pleased that Max Goeldi and his family have been reunited after some two years. Max Goeldi was a casualty of the
diplomatic row between Switzerland and Libya and was targeted because of his nationality," said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy
Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa programme.
Both Max Goeldi and another Swiss businessman, Rachid Hamdani, were held by the Libyan authorities in July 2008, following the
brief arrest in Switzerland of the son of Libyan leader Mu'ammar al-Gaddafi.
The two men were released on bail and banned from leaving the country. They were arrested again in September 2009 and detained
incommunicado for over 50 days before being released again.
They were tried this February while sheltering in the Swiss embassy in Tripoli.
On 6 February 2010, Max Goeldi was sentenced to four months in prison for allegedly breaching immigration regulations. He was
also convicted of breaching commercial regulations and fined 1000 dinars (about US$800).
The following day, Rachid Hamdani was cleared of charges of breaking commercial regulations and was given permission to leave
the country on 22 February 2010.
Hamdani had won an appeal against his conviction on immigration charges on 31 January.
Relations between the two countries soured significantly after the Swiss police arrested Hannibal al-Gaddafi, son of Libyan
President Mu'ammar al-Gaddafi, and his wife on 15 July 2008 in Geneva. The charges against Hannibal al-Gaddafi were since
dropped.
Click here to read more »
Switzerland: Minaret Ban Violates Rights
Decision Reflects Rising Intolerance against Muslims in Europe
December 4, 2009
(Geneva) - The recent vote in Switzerland to ban minaret construction violates the rights of observant Muslims to manifest their
religion in public and reflects mounting anti-Muslim sentiment in Western Europe, Human Rights Watch said today.
On November 29, 57 percent of those voting in a national referendum endorsed a constitutional amendment to ban the future
construction of minarets in Switzerland. The campaign for the yes vote, led by the Swiss People's Party, was marked by rhetoric
against Islam and Muslims. A campaign poster showed minarets appearing to launch, like missiles, off the Swiss flag behind a
woman wearing the niqab (a full-face veil leaving only the eyes visible). The Swiss government, which opposed the referendum, is
required by Swiss law to draft legislation to amend the Constitution in line with the popular vote.
A ban on minarets denies Muslims the right to manifest their religion and is discriminatory. The right to manifest one's religion in
public, through worship, teaching, practice, and observance, is an integral part of the right to religious freedom, guaranteed by
international human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the European
Convention on Human Rights, both of which Switzerland has ratified. Both treaties also prohibit discrimination on the grounds of
religion.
States are permitted to limit the right to practice or display religious belief only if they can demonstrate a need to do so to protect
public safety, public order, health, or morals, or the fundamental rights or freedoms of others. None of these justifications apply to
the Swiss ban on minarets, Human Rights Watch said. By targeting one religion, without any legitimate justification, the ban is
clearly discriminatory.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN expert on religious freedom have condemned the vote as discriminatory
and a violation of the fundamental right to manifest one's religion. The UN Human Rights Committee, which monitors compliance
with the ICCPR, warned Switzerland in October that a minaret ban would violate the treaty. The ban is likely to face legal
challenges in Switzerland and could eventually be examined by the European Court of Human Rights.
The vote is a deeply worrisome expression of growing intolerance toward Muslims across Europe, Human Rights Watch said. The
vote has already galvanized far-right parties across Europe. The Danish People's Party, Vlaams Belang in Belgium, Italian Northern
League, and the Dutch Party for Freedom immediately praised the vote and pledged to pursue similar initiatives in their own
countries.
Click here to read more »
Decision Reflects Rising Intolerance against Muslims in Europe
December 4, 2009
(Geneva) - The recent vote in Switzerland to ban minaret construction violates the rights of observant Muslims to manifest their
religion in public and reflects mounting anti-Muslim sentiment in Western Europe, Human Rights Watch said today.
On November 29, 57 percent of those voting in a national referendum endorsed a constitutional amendment to ban the future
construction of minarets in Switzerland. The campaign for the yes vote, led by the Swiss People's Party, was marked by rhetoric
against Islam and Muslims. A campaign poster showed minarets appearing to launch, like missiles, off the Swiss flag behind a
woman wearing the niqab (a full-face veil leaving only the eyes visible). The Swiss government, which opposed the referendum, is
required by Swiss law to draft legislation to amend the Constitution in line with the popular vote.
A ban on minarets denies Muslims the right to manifest their religion and is discriminatory. The right to manifest one's religion in
public, through worship, teaching, practice, and observance, is an integral part of the right to religious freedom, guaranteed by
international human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the European
Convention on Human Rights, both of which Switzerland has ratified. Both treaties also prohibit discrimination on the grounds of
religion.
States are permitted to limit the right to practice or display religious belief only if they can demonstrate a need to do so to protect
public safety, public order, health, or morals, or the fundamental rights or freedoms of others. None of these justifications apply to
the Swiss ban on minarets, Human Rights Watch said. By targeting one religion, without any legitimate justification, the ban is
clearly discriminatory.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN expert on religious freedom have condemned the vote as discriminatory
and a violation of the fundamental right to manifest one's religion. The UN Human Rights Committee, which monitors compliance
with the ICCPR, warned Switzerland in October that a minaret ban would violate the treaty. The ban is likely to face legal
challenges in Switzerland and could eventually be examined by the European Court of Human Rights.
The vote is a deeply worrisome expression of growing intolerance toward Muslims across Europe, Human Rights Watch said. The
vote has already galvanized far-right parties across Europe. The Danish People's Party, Vlaams Belang in Belgium, Italian Northern
League, and the Dutch Party for Freedom immediately praised the vote and pledged to pursue similar initiatives in their own
countries.
Click here to read more »
54th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
Swiss Statement presented by Patricia Schulz, Head of Swiss Delegation
Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations
New York, 3 March 2010
Mr President,
At the national level, for my government equality of opportunity in schooling and vocational and university education is the
precondition for equality and independence. This is why at the federal level we have strengthened mechanisms to ensure equality
throughout higher education and research. The programme to ensure equality of opportunity between men and women in universities
has led to a doubling of the proportion of female professors, from 7 to 14%. This figure is still too low but we are moving in the right
direction: the target figure is 25% by 2012.
The last five years have been characterised by innovative strategies and projects regarding equal salaries.
We have developed a software application called “LOGIB” which enables companies with more than 50 employees to check easily and
on their own initiative whether or not their salary system respects equality. Many enterprises and administrations are now using this
tool efficiently. Germany and Luxembourg have already developed their own versions of the software. Other countries are interested
in adopting it.
The Swiss Confederation is also supporting a “Dialogue on equal salaries”, involving employers’ organisations and trade unions at
national level. The aim is to eliminate wage discrimination over the next five years by encouraging enterprises to carry out voluntary
self assessments of their wages policies using LOGIB and to eliminate discrimination if appropriate.
The subsidies to finance innovative projects to promote equality in the workplace launched by women’s organizations, trade unions,
and other groups have had very positive results.
Switzerland has made good progress in combating domestic violence. We have legislated to strengthen our means of action by making
acts of violence committed within couples automatically punishable, whether the persons concerned are married or not, heterosexual
or homosexual. Our law also provides for the expulsion of the violent partner from the shared home and prevents him or her from
contacting the victim. We have improved our statistical recording of instances of violence which will enable us to target preventive
measures more accurately. The great challenge remains that of implementation. Although the police are now trained to intervene in
cases of domestic violence, this is not yet true of all the other personnel involved, such as doctors, judges and the social services, etc.
“L’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie” has adopted a strong declaration addressing the issue of violence against women as
an important contribution to this session of the CSW.
Click here to read more »
Swiss Statement presented by Patricia Schulz, Head of Swiss Delegation
Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations
New York, 3 March 2010
Mr President,
At the national level, for my government equality of opportunity in schooling and vocational and university education is the
precondition for equality and independence. This is why at the federal level we have strengthened mechanisms to ensure equality
throughout higher education and research. The programme to ensure equality of opportunity between men and women in universities
has led to a doubling of the proportion of female professors, from 7 to 14%. This figure is still too low but we are moving in the right
direction: the target figure is 25% by 2012.
The last five years have been characterised by innovative strategies and projects regarding equal salaries.
We have developed a software application called “LOGIB” which enables companies with more than 50 employees to check easily and
on their own initiative whether or not their salary system respects equality. Many enterprises and administrations are now using this
tool efficiently. Germany and Luxembourg have already developed their own versions of the software. Other countries are interested
in adopting it.
The Swiss Confederation is also supporting a “Dialogue on equal salaries”, involving employers’ organisations and trade unions at
national level. The aim is to eliminate wage discrimination over the next five years by encouraging enterprises to carry out voluntary
self assessments of their wages policies using LOGIB and to eliminate discrimination if appropriate.
The subsidies to finance innovative projects to promote equality in the workplace launched by women’s organizations, trade unions,
and other groups have had very positive results.
Switzerland has made good progress in combating domestic violence. We have legislated to strengthen our means of action by making
acts of violence committed within couples automatically punishable, whether the persons concerned are married or not, heterosexual
or homosexual. Our law also provides for the expulsion of the violent partner from the shared home and prevents him or her from
contacting the victim. We have improved our statistical recording of instances of violence which will enable us to target preventive
measures more accurately. The great challenge remains that of implementation. Although the police are now trained to intervene in
cases of domestic violence, this is not yet true of all the other personnel involved, such as doctors, judges and the social services, etc.
“L’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie” has adopted a strong declaration addressing the issue of violence against women as
an important contribution to this session of the CSW.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM GERMAN BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
25/05/2010
Editorial
Joelle Scacchi-Scientific Collaborator of the CFR
Hostility towards Muslims
Why a woman and her children, she suffered derogatory remarks a stranger in the street? And why a teenager is it prevented from
going to school by the director of its establishment school? Simply because they have dared to show their belief by wearing the veil
Islamic. Women and girls are the first victims of climate of intolerance that surrounds everything related to Islam. And
disrespectful remarks are only the beginning discrimination that interfere even in the workplace and in access to housing.
What bothers foremost, they are these visible signs of religiosity. Results vote to ban minarets have demonstrated.
Now in Switzerland, is a minority nun who is fingered and is called to justify themselves for acts committed the four corners of the
planet in the name of radical Islam. Packed full of paradox, it is called to organize, show good integration, and to present a united
front authorities. As if voting results the minarets were ultimately his responsibility.
However, as long as one is interested objective data, people Muslim culture in Switzerland enjoy with religion very different reports.
The majority expressed little or no practitioner and nearly one third are under 15 years. Their nationalities and cultures are diverse.
People whose portraits illustrate this edition of Tangram is a good example of this diversity of opinions and cultures.
Instead of discriminating against minority and does not pose particular problems Switzerland and shake a scarecrow to please
voters, should we not rather to deconstruct stigma and fillings related to Islam and Muslims that prevail in Within the Swiss
population? That is what Federal Commission against Racism CFR wanted to do with the Tangram which presents latest research
and thinking about reality and experiences of people of Muslim Switzerland.
Click here to read more »
25/05/2010
Editorial
Joelle Scacchi-Scientific Collaborator of the CFR
Hostility towards Muslims
Why a woman and her children, she suffered derogatory remarks a stranger in the street? And why a teenager is it prevented from
going to school by the director of its establishment school? Simply because they have dared to show their belief by wearing the veil
Islamic. Women and girls are the first victims of climate of intolerance that surrounds everything related to Islam. And
disrespectful remarks are only the beginning discrimination that interfere even in the workplace and in access to housing.
What bothers foremost, they are these visible signs of religiosity. Results vote to ban minarets have demonstrated.
Now in Switzerland, is a minority nun who is fingered and is called to justify themselves for acts committed the four corners of the
planet in the name of radical Islam. Packed full of paradox, it is called to organize, show good integration, and to present a united
front authorities. As if voting results the minarets were ultimately his responsibility.
However, as long as one is interested objective data, people Muslim culture in Switzerland enjoy with religion very different reports.
The majority expressed little or no practitioner and nearly one third are under 15 years. Their nationalities and cultures are diverse.
People whose portraits illustrate this edition of Tangram is a good example of this diversity of opinions and cultures.
Instead of discriminating against minority and does not pose particular problems Switzerland and shake a scarecrow to please
voters, should we not rather to deconstruct stigma and fillings related to Islam and Muslims that prevail in Within the Swiss
population? That is what Federal Commission against Racism CFR wanted to do with the Tangram which presents latest research
and thinking about reality and experiences of people of Muslim Switzerland.
Click here to read more »
Irregular Migrants to be barred from marriage
14.07.2010
As from 1 January 2011, people planning to marry in Switzerland will have to provide proof of their legitimate right to stay. The
Federal Council has decided that the respective articles changed in the Swiss Civil Code (Art. 98 Para. 4 and Art. 99 Para. 4) will
come into effect as from this date. This equals a factual ban to marry for irregular immigrants and their partners. What are the
consequences for couples planning to marry?
Not every marriage of irregular migrants is a bogus marriage
But the new regulation interferes strongly with internationally agreed basic rights. In Art. 12 the European Convention on Human
Rights states that "men and women of marriageable age have the right to found a family, according to the national laws governing
the exercise of this right". The right to marry freely is also clearly defined in Art. 23 of the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights and in Art. 14. of the Swiss Federal Constitution. In a position paper for the Helpline for Irregular Immigrants, the
Bernese Doctor emeritus Jörg Paul Müller comes to the conclusion that the new regulation, too, has to be interpreted in accordance
with the Constitution. In concrete terms, this means that the responsible registrars and judges will still have to assess in every single
case whether the legal restrictions concerning a marriage of an irregular immigrant are so strong that they overrule the regulations
of basic and human rights. It is for this reason that the ban on marriage for irregular immigrants will continue to be applied only if
the marriage is contracted exclusively to obtain the right of stay for one of the spouses.
Click here to read more »
14.07.2010
As from 1 January 2011, people planning to marry in Switzerland will have to provide proof of their legitimate right to stay. The
Federal Council has decided that the respective articles changed in the Swiss Civil Code (Art. 98 Para. 4 and Art. 99 Para. 4) will
come into effect as from this date. This equals a factual ban to marry for irregular immigrants and their partners. What are the
consequences for couples planning to marry?
Not every marriage of irregular migrants is a bogus marriage
But the new regulation interferes strongly with internationally agreed basic rights. In Art. 12 the European Convention on Human
Rights states that "men and women of marriageable age have the right to found a family, according to the national laws governing
the exercise of this right". The right to marry freely is also clearly defined in Art. 23 of the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights and in Art. 14. of the Swiss Federal Constitution. In a position paper for the Helpline for Irregular Immigrants, the
Bernese Doctor emeritus Jörg Paul Müller comes to the conclusion that the new regulation, too, has to be interpreted in accordance
with the Constitution. In concrete terms, this means that the responsible registrars and judges will still have to assess in every single
case whether the legal restrictions concerning a marriage of an irregular immigrant are so strong that they overrule the regulations
of basic and human rights. It is for this reason that the ban on marriage for irregular immigrants will continue to be applied only if
the marriage is contracted exclusively to obtain the right of stay for one of the spouses.
Click here to read more »
Archeological evidence suggests that hunter-gatherers were already settled in the lowlands north of the Alps in the
late Paleolithic period. By the Neolithic period, the area was relatively densely populated. Remains of Bronze Age
pile dwellings have been found in the shallow areas of many lakes. Around 1500 BC, Celtic tribes settled in the area.
The Raetians lived in the eastern regions, while the west was occupied by the Helvetii. In 58 BC, the Helvetii tried to
evade migratory pressure from Germanic tribes by moving into Gaul, but were defeated at Bibracte by Julius
Caesar's armies and then sent back. The alpine region became integrated into the Roman Empire and was
extensively romanized in the course of the following centuries. The center of Roman administration was at Aventicum
(Avenches). In 259, Alamanni tribes overran the Limes, putting the settlements on Swiss territory on the frontier of
the Roman Empire. The first Christian bishoprics were founded in the 4th century. With the fall of the Western
Roman Empire, Germanic tribes entered the area. Burgundians settled in the west; while in the north, Alamanni
settlers slowly forced the earlier Celto-Roman population to retreat into the mountains. Burgundy became a part of
the kingdom of the Franks in 534; two years later, the dukedom of the Alamans followed suit. In the Alaman-
controlled region, only isolated Christian communities continued to exist and Irish monks re-introduced the Christian
faith in the early 7th century. Under the Carolingian kings, the feudal system proliferated, and monasteries and
bishoprics were important bases for maintaining the rule. The Treaty of Verdun of 843 assigned Upper Burgundy
(the western part of what is today Switzerland) to Lotharingia, and Alemannia (the eastern part) to the eastern
kingdom of Louis the German which would become part of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 12th century, the dukes
of Zähringen were given authority over part of the Burgundy territories which covered the western part of modern
Switzerland. Under the Hohenstaufen rule, the alpine passes in Raetia and the St. Gotthard Pass gained importance.
The latter especially became an important direct route through the mountains. The extinction of the Kyburg dynasty
paved the way for the Habsburg dynasty to bring much of the territory south of the Rhine under their control, aiding
their rise to power. Rudolph I of Habsburg, who became Holy Roman Emperor in 1273, effectively revoked the
status of Reichsfreiheit granted to the "Forest Cantons" of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden. The Forest Cantons thus
lost their independent status and were governed by reeves. In 1291, the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden
conspired against the Habsburgs. Their union, the nucleus of the Old Swiss Confederacy, is recorded in the Federal
Charter, a document probably written after the fact, in the 14th century. At the battles of Morgarten in 1315 and
Sempach 1386, the Swiss defeated the Habsburg army, allowing the confederacy to continue within the Holy Roman
Empire. The Swiss victory in a war against the Swabian League in 1499 amounted to de facto independence from
the Holy Roman Empire. In 1506, Pope Julius II engaged the Swiss Guard that continues to serve the Vatican to the
present day. The expansion of the federation and the reputation of invincibility acquired during the earlier wars
suffered a first setback in 1515 with the Swiss defeat in the Battle of Marignano. During the Thirty Years' War,
Switzerland was a relative "oasis of peace and prosperity" (Grimmelshausen) in war-torn Europe, mostly because all
major powers in Europe were depending on Swiss mercenaries, and would not let Switzerland fall in the hands of
one of their rivals. At the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, Switzerland attained legal independence from the Holy
Roman Empire. The Valtellina became a dependency of the Drei Bünde again after the Treaty and remained so until
the founding of the Cisalpine Republic by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797. During the French Revolutionary Wars, the
revolutionary armies boiled eastward, enveloping Switzerland in their battles against Austria. In 1798 Switzerland
was completely overrun by the French and became the Helvetic Republic. The Congress of Vienna of 1815 fully re-
established Swiss independence and the European powers agreed to permanently recognise Swiss neutrality. At this
time, the territory of Switzerland was increased for the last time, by the new cantons of Valais, Neuchatel and
Geneva. In 1847, a civil war broke out between the Catholic and the Protestant cantons (Sonderbundskrieg). Its
immediate cause was a 'special treaty' (Sonderbund) of the Catholic cantons. It lasted for less than a month, causing
fewer than 100 casualties. Apart from small riots, this was the last armed conflict on Swiss territory. As a
consequence of the civil war, Switzerland adopted a federal constitution in 1848, amending it extensively in 1874 and
establishing federal responsibility for defence, trade, and legal matters, leaving all other matters to the cantonal
governments. From then, and over much of the 20th century, continuous political, economic, and social improvement
has characterized Swiss history. , detailed invasion plans were drawn up by the Germans,[1] but Switzerland was
never attacked. After the war, Swiss authorities considered the construction of a Swiss nuclear bomb. Leading
nuclear physicists at the Federal Institute of Technology such as Paul Scherrer made this a realistic possibility, and in
1958 the population clearly voted in favour of the bomb. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1968 was seen as
a valid alternative, however, and the bomb was never built. Switzerland's role in many United Nations and
international organizations, helped to mitigate the country's concern for neutrality. In 2002, Switzerland was officially
ratified as a member of the United Nations — the only country joining after agreement by a popular vote.
Sources: Wikipedia History of Switzerland
late Paleolithic period. By the Neolithic period, the area was relatively densely populated. Remains of Bronze Age
pile dwellings have been found in the shallow areas of many lakes. Around 1500 BC, Celtic tribes settled in the area.
The Raetians lived in the eastern regions, while the west was occupied by the Helvetii. In 58 BC, the Helvetii tried to
evade migratory pressure from Germanic tribes by moving into Gaul, but were defeated at Bibracte by Julius
Caesar's armies and then sent back. The alpine region became integrated into the Roman Empire and was
extensively romanized in the course of the following centuries. The center of Roman administration was at Aventicum
(Avenches). In 259, Alamanni tribes overran the Limes, putting the settlements on Swiss territory on the frontier of
the Roman Empire. The first Christian bishoprics were founded in the 4th century. With the fall of the Western
Roman Empire, Germanic tribes entered the area. Burgundians settled in the west; while in the north, Alamanni
settlers slowly forced the earlier Celto-Roman population to retreat into the mountains. Burgundy became a part of
the kingdom of the Franks in 534; two years later, the dukedom of the Alamans followed suit. In the Alaman-
controlled region, only isolated Christian communities continued to exist and Irish monks re-introduced the Christian
faith in the early 7th century. Under the Carolingian kings, the feudal system proliferated, and monasteries and
bishoprics were important bases for maintaining the rule. The Treaty of Verdun of 843 assigned Upper Burgundy
(the western part of what is today Switzerland) to Lotharingia, and Alemannia (the eastern part) to the eastern
kingdom of Louis the German which would become part of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 12th century, the dukes
of Zähringen were given authority over part of the Burgundy territories which covered the western part of modern
Switzerland. Under the Hohenstaufen rule, the alpine passes in Raetia and the St. Gotthard Pass gained importance.
The latter especially became an important direct route through the mountains. The extinction of the Kyburg dynasty
paved the way for the Habsburg dynasty to bring much of the territory south of the Rhine under their control, aiding
their rise to power. Rudolph I of Habsburg, who became Holy Roman Emperor in 1273, effectively revoked the
status of Reichsfreiheit granted to the "Forest Cantons" of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden. The Forest Cantons thus
lost their independent status and were governed by reeves. In 1291, the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden
conspired against the Habsburgs. Their union, the nucleus of the Old Swiss Confederacy, is recorded in the Federal
Charter, a document probably written after the fact, in the 14th century. At the battles of Morgarten in 1315 and
Sempach 1386, the Swiss defeated the Habsburg army, allowing the confederacy to continue within the Holy Roman
Empire. The Swiss victory in a war against the Swabian League in 1499 amounted to de facto independence from
the Holy Roman Empire. In 1506, Pope Julius II engaged the Swiss Guard that continues to serve the Vatican to the
present day. The expansion of the federation and the reputation of invincibility acquired during the earlier wars
suffered a first setback in 1515 with the Swiss defeat in the Battle of Marignano. During the Thirty Years' War,
Switzerland was a relative "oasis of peace and prosperity" (Grimmelshausen) in war-torn Europe, mostly because all
major powers in Europe were depending on Swiss mercenaries, and would not let Switzerland fall in the hands of
one of their rivals. At the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, Switzerland attained legal independence from the Holy
Roman Empire. The Valtellina became a dependency of the Drei Bünde again after the Treaty and remained so until
the founding of the Cisalpine Republic by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797. During the French Revolutionary Wars, the
revolutionary armies boiled eastward, enveloping Switzerland in their battles against Austria. In 1798 Switzerland
was completely overrun by the French and became the Helvetic Republic. The Congress of Vienna of 1815 fully re-
established Swiss independence and the European powers agreed to permanently recognise Swiss neutrality. At this
time, the territory of Switzerland was increased for the last time, by the new cantons of Valais, Neuchatel and
Geneva. In 1847, a civil war broke out between the Catholic and the Protestant cantons (Sonderbundskrieg). Its
immediate cause was a 'special treaty' (Sonderbund) of the Catholic cantons. It lasted for less than a month, causing
fewer than 100 casualties. Apart from small riots, this was the last armed conflict on Swiss territory. As a
consequence of the civil war, Switzerland adopted a federal constitution in 1848, amending it extensively in 1874 and
establishing federal responsibility for defence, trade, and legal matters, leaving all other matters to the cantonal
governments. From then, and over much of the 20th century, continuous political, economic, and social improvement
has characterized Swiss history. , detailed invasion plans were drawn up by the Germans,[1] but Switzerland was
never attacked. After the war, Swiss authorities considered the construction of a Swiss nuclear bomb. Leading
nuclear physicists at the Federal Institute of Technology such as Paul Scherrer made this a realistic possibility, and in
1958 the population clearly voted in favour of the bomb. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1968 was seen as
a valid alternative, however, and the bomb was never built. Switzerland's role in many United Nations and
international organizations, helped to mitigate the country's concern for neutrality. In 2002, Switzerland was officially
ratified as a member of the United Nations — the only country joining after agreement by a popular vote.
Sources: Wikipedia History of Switzerland
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf
Vice President since 1 January 2011
Vice President since 1 January 2011
