For some, asylum seekers are a drain on the economy and a threat to social stability. For others helping asylum seekers are a cornerstone of the country's humanitarian tradition. This debate is quite evident with Switzerland.
Restrictions at a new national centre for asylum seekers have caused controversy especially in the town of Bremgarten. The restrictions include a ban for asylum seekers to be in schoolyards during the day and to visit the swimming pool without explicit permission by the authorities.
I think this is absolutely appalling. It's like Switzerland are using the same kind of tactics as Hitler when he introduced the Nuremburg Laws in 1935 where he restricted Jews from certain kinds of activities and rights. Okay, it's not as extreme as that but if this kind of policy and attitude is actually kept up who knows........
The non-governmental Refugee Council says it is dismayed by the restrictions and calls on the authorities to suspend what it considers intolerable and restraining orders.
In addition, Justice Minister Sommaruga argued that there were no formal bans for asylum seekers in a newly opened centre to use the swimming pool or the facilities of schools.
Whether or not this is true, these attitudes towards asylum seekers are still evident.
The Girl of the 21st Century
The Girl of the 21st Century
