Swiss Travellers Demand Protection from Discrimination

19 June 2007

Travellers in Switzerland are demanding that the government protect them from widespread discrimination that they continue to suffer, according to a 3 February 2007 report by the Swissinfo news agency. According to the report, Travellers, with support from the Swiss Federal Commission against Racism, asked the government to follow through on its promises to create new campsites and parking areas. Travellers are often forced to occupy land illegally in Switzerland due to a lack of proper camping facilities and transit areas. The Swissinfo news agency reported that, according to an October 2006 government report, there is a shortfall of 29 campsites and 38 transit areas for Travellers. An interior ministerial body that works to improve the lives of Travellers called on the government to implement an action plan to stop discrimination against Travellers in the country.

(Swissinfo)