Demonstration in Bern against the deportation of asylum seekers to Croatia: Italian head of government: “I am no longer allergic to Germany”

Several hundred people protested in front of the parliament building in Bern on Saturday afternoon against the deportation of asylum seekers to Croatia. Switzerland must offer refugees a “dignified reception”, they demanded.

Croatia is not a safe country to return refugees to. Numerous reports of inhumane treatment and violence by refugees in Croatia testify to this, speakers at the meeting stressed.

Switzerland must immediately stop returning to Croatia and other countries where human rights violations are committed by asylum seekers. Instead, all persons who apply for asylum and remain in Switzerland should be received with dignity. Those affected should be given access to all the medical treatment they need to recover from the trauma they suffered during their flight.

Numerous migrants took part in the meeting organized by the Neuchâtel organization “Droit de Rester” (right of residence) and other partners. The approved meeting was peaceful.

The Dublin Agreement specifies which member state is responsible for processing an asylum application. Dublin states are all EU member states and the four associated states Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

If an asylum seeker applies for asylum in Switzerland, Switzerland must first check whether it is responsible for conducting the asylum procedure for this person or whether they are already registered in another Dublin state. If so, the person will be handed over to the responsible state.

This is where the criticism of countless refugee and human rights organizations comes into play. Refugees in some countries are pushed around unworthily and exposed to inhumane conditions. (sda)