Zurich police barracks temporarily renovated: the government sees no problems in asylum reception for young people

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The Zurich canton government council rejects allegations about the youth shelter at the Zurich police barracks. He was not aware of any grievances, he says in an interpellation response published on Thursday.

The former police barracks in the city of Zurich has been used as an asylum house since the beginning of this year. In addition to adults and families, there are also up to 90 unaccompanied youth – the so-called MNA, which stands for “Mineurs non accompagnés”. They are on their own floor.

After the “Tages-Anzeiger” reported that there was too little space and too little support, SP, Groenen and AL asked for information about the alleged abuses.

9.1 square meters per young person

The government council – responsible is the security service led by Mario Fehr (64) – sees no grievances, he notes. In the police barracks there are twelve dormitories of different sizes and five living and study rooms for single young people. At full occupancy, each young person would have an average of 9.1 square meters at his disposal.

The government also emphasized that 24-hour care is guaranteed. There are employment opportunities within the accommodation and activities outside of it. Civic integration courses would also take place. A psychologist is also present twice a week to guide the young people. Nurses are always present during the week.

The board did not want to provide information about any violent incidents, psychiatric calamities or suicide attempts. He gives the reason for privacy protection.

Further accommodation planned in Uster

The number of unaccompanied minors in Switzerland has tripled in the past 14 months. At present, 10 percent of all asylum applications come from minors. The canton of Zurich is obliged to take in and receive 17.9 percent of all these young people.

There are currently about 500 young refugees. However, the canton expects this number to continue to rise. For this reason, he plans further housing in Uster.

The Lilienberg MNA accommodation in Affoltern am Albis also caused criticism. The canton reacted and decided to accommodate fewer young people in the future. The occupation was reduced from 90 to a maximum of 60 young people and the Asylum Organization Zurich (AOZ) had to increase the number of specialized employees. (SDA)

Source:Blick