Switzerland: Protection available from governmental or non-governmental agencies for victims of incest; avenues of redress available; difference in situation for ethnic Albanians from Kosovo

According to Country Reports 2000, "[Switzerland's] federal and cantonal governments, as well as about 80 NGO's that defend children's rights, have devoted considerable attention in recent years to child abuse, especially sexual abuse" (section 5 2001). L'Office fédéral de la justice has put in place consultation centres for victims of sexual abuse, offerring medical, psychological, social, material and legal help (Office fédéral de la justice 25 Sep. 2001). Switzerland also has several NGO's which provide treatment and counselling for victims of sexual abuse and incest, including: Association Dis No (Association Dis No 2001) and La ligne d'aide aux enfants et aux jeunes 147 (147 n.d.). Nottelefon Zürich (HELPLINE), a helpline based in Zürich, offers special assistance to immigrant victims of violence and abuse, including translation services (Nottelefon 28 August 2001).

No information specific to the treatment of ethnic Albanian victims of incest could be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate. Officially, refugees are entitled to full medical care, even during their no-work period (Swiss Week 22 to 28 November 1999). However, according to the Swiss Tropical Institute, "Problems often arise when migrants need health services in the Swiss system", citing language and cultural barriers (Swiss Tropical Institute Report 1999-2000).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Association Dis No. 2001. Association Suisse pour la prévention, la détection, le traitement de la violence et des abus sexuels envers les enfants. [Accessed 25 October 2001]

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2000. 2001. United States Department of State. Washington, DC [Accessed 25 Oct. 2001]

Nottelefon Zürich (HELPLINE). 28 August 2001. [Accessed 24 October 2001]

Office fédéral de la justice. 25 September 2001. "Aide aux victimes: Informations destinées aux victimes et à leurs proches" [Accessed 24 October 2001]

147. n.d . La ligne d'aide aux enfants et aux jeunes 147. [Accessed 25 October 2001]

Swiss Tropical Institute. Swiss Tropical Institute Report 1999-2000. [Accessed 19 October 2001]

Swiss Week. 22 to 28 November 1999. "Swiss Refugee Policy: In the European Norm" [Accessed 19 October 2001]

Additional Sources Consulted

Amnesty International Reports. 2000.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2000. 2001.

Human Rights Watch (HRW). 2000.

Keesing's Records World Events 2000-2001.

LEXIS/NEXIS.

World News Connection (WNC).

One oral source contacted.

Unsuccessful attempt at contacting one other oral source.

Internet Site including:

Amnesty International

Comité international pour la dignité de l'enfant (Switzerland)

Country Reports 2000

Fédération Internationale des Ligues des droits de l'homme (FIDH)

Human Rights Watch (HRW)

International Labour Organization

Médecins sans frontières (MSF)

Ministère de la Solidarité, de la santé et de la protection sociale (Switzerland)

Office fédéral de la santé publique (Switzerland)

Red Cross (Switzerland)