Swiss citizenship system 'racist'

[A.Rahman]

An official report into the process of naturalisation in Switzerland says the current system is discriminatory and in many respects racist.

The report, from Switzerland's Federal Commission on Racial Discrimination, recommends far-reaching changes.

It criticises the practice of allowing members of a community to vote on an individual's citizenship application.

Muslims and people from the Balkans and Africa are the most likely to be rejected, the report points out.

Switzerland has Europe's toughest naturalisation laws. Foreigners must live for 12 years in a Swiss community before they can apply, and being born in Switzerland brings no right to citizenship.

Under the current system, foreigners apply through their local town or village.

They appear before a citizenship committee and answer questions about their desire to be Swiss. After that, they must often be approved by the entire voting community, in a secret ballot, or a show of hands. This practice, the report says, is particularly likely to be distorted by racial discrimination.

It cites the case of a disabled man originally from Kosovo. Although fulfilling all the legal criteria, his application for citizenship was rejected by his community on the grounds that his disability made him a burden on taxpayers, and that he was Muslim.

The report recommends that decisions on citizenship should be decided by an elected executive and not by the community as a whole. But such a move is likely to encounter stiff opposition.

Foreigners are a key issue in the run-up to Switzerland's general election next month.

The right-wing Swiss People's Party, currently leading in the opinion polls, claims Swiss communities have a democratic right to decide who can or cannot be Swiss.

bbc

 

[BATMAN]

Such a system is not only confined to racisim but is also **** to Mafia style community.
In this there will never be justice in such society.

 

[Always Neutral]

I thinks its a great system having myself failed it once. By the way the Indian Doctor and his family passed it after living there for 12 years. You have to see the fair mindedness of the Swiss to believe it. Also please note they are not preventing you from staying in their country only not giving you citizenship until you assimilate their way of life.

Switzerland is the only country in the world which refuses to extradite its citizens even to USA a point that the Great USA hates.

Best Regards

 

[BATMAN]

In Switzerland every state and community has its own naturalizing rules.
Seeking permissions from local community for granting citzenship indicate, how such system can be exploited.
For example if Inidan embassy in Switzerland plant one hundred Indians in one comunity then no Muslim from same community will ever be able to get Swiss citzenship.
Hence, this proves there is a clear room for exploitation and injustice.
Swiss govt. should actually discourage mafia style habitant of foreigners in same Swiss community.
Swiss health system does not allow non-Swiss doctors. This is a kind of racism.

 

[Always Neutral]

In Switzerland every state and community has its own naturalizing rules.
Seeking permissions from local community for granting citzenship indicate, how such system can be exploited.
For example if Inidan embassy in Switzerland plant one hundred Indians in one comunity then no Muslim from same community will ever be able to get Swiss citzenship.
Hence, this proves there is a clear room for exploitation and injustice.
Swiss govt. should actually discourage mafia style habitant of foreigners in same Swiss community.
Swiss health system does not allow non-Swiss doctors. This is a kind of racism.

I don't know which Switzerland you are talking about but I lived in a village near Zurich nearly married a Swiss and the Doctor there was an Indian who had come a studied there and then worked there. He went back married an Indian came back produced 3 children adapted to the Swiss traditions and after12-13 years became a citizen.

 

[Always Neutral]

How will the Indian Embassy plant a 100 Indian who are already Swiss Citizens in one community to vote in other Indians ?

 

[BATMAN]

I don't know which Switzerland you are talking about but I lived in a village near Zurich nearly married a Swiss and the Doctor there was an Indian who had come a studied there and then worked there. He went back married an Indian came back produced 3 children adapted to the Swiss traditions and after12-13 years became a citizen.

Perhaps, it was a different situation 12 years ago but today Switzerland stands prominent among the Swiss nations in targeting immigrants on the grounds of racsim.
People who has visited Switzerland recently told, that whole country is decorated with posters inciting hate on the basis of race and all those posters and advertisements on TV are very leagel in Swiss state law.

Please, see the red marked comments from UN Human right wings officials.

U.N. rights chief sees bigotry in Europe on Islam

U.N. rights chief sees bigotry in Europe on Islam

By Robert Evans
GENEVA (Reuters) - United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour said on Monday that bigotry and prejudice, especially in regard to Muslims, were common in Europe and called on governments to tackle the issue.

The remarks from the former Canadian Supreme Court judge, which came in the wake of similar charges issued last week by a U.N. rights investigator, were quickly challenged by a leading global non-religious grouping.

The report by investigator Doudou Diene of Senegal documented what he called an alarming rise in intolerance, and in particular Islamophobia, in European countries, and Arbour said, "I have no reason not to share his concerns."

Europeans "are shocked at times when it is pointed out that bigotry, prejudice and stereotyping is still sometimes very present in their attitude to others", she said.

Diene's work, she declared, highlighted "a challenge for Western countries that needs to be addressed".

Roy Brown, past president of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) which groups non-religious organisations around the globe said Arbour was "just plain wrong".

"The little regrettable hostility that does exist among indigenous Europeans has not arisen in a vacuum, but as a reaction to Islamic extremism -- demonisation of Jews, infidels and homosexuals and contempt for Western culture," said Brown, the IHEU's representative at the U.N.'s Human Rights Council.

Diene's report said Islamophobia and equating Islam with terrorism created a climate favouring racial and religious hate.

But it also implicitly criticised Islamic states for their treatment of non-Muslim minorities and for refusing to recognise the right of people born into Islam to change their religion.

Diene pointed to the recent appearance of a cartoon in a provincial Swedish newspaper that governments of Islamic countries say offended their religion as an example of abuse of the right of free speech to sow suspicion of Muslims.

He also hit out at Switzerland over perceived anti-immigrant campaigning by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC).

European countries in the Council responded in low-key to his "Islamophobia" charges.

Islamaphobia on rise, especially in Europe - U.N. envoy

Islamaphobia on rise, especially in Europe - U.N. envoy

By Stephanie Nebehay
GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations investigator on racism on Friday condemned a rising trend of Islamaphobia, especially in Europe, where he said it was being exploited by some right-wing political parties.

Doudou Diene, U.N. special rapporteur on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, also accused Switzerland's most popular party, the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC), of inciting hatred.

He urged the withdrawal of the party's controversial campaign poster calling for expulsion of foreigners who commit serous crimes, depicting three white sheep booting out a black sheep under the headline "For the Security of All".

"In the current context, Islamaphobia constitutes the most serious form of religious defamation," Diene said in a speech and report to the U.N. Human Rights Council, whose 47 member states were holding a debate on religious defamation.

More and more political leaders and influential media and intellectuals were "equating Islam with violence and terrorism," and some were seeking to "silence religious practices by banning the construction of mosques", Diene said.

Pakistan, speaking for the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), called the rise of Islamaphobia "alarming".

"Recent acts of defamation in the shape of blasphemous sketches in Sweden and posters in Switzerland reinforce this conclusion. Such blasphemy should not be encouraged in the name of freedom of expression," Pakistan's envoy Masood Khan said.

He said the 57-nation OIC, which represents 1.3 billion Muslims, condemned terrorism in all its forms.

"The international media continues to use the misguided actions of a small extremist minority as an excuse to malign the entire Muslim world, as well as the religion of Islam," he said.

"SCAPEGOATING"

Diene, a Senegalese lawyer, said in his 21-page report to the Council that Islamaphobia had grown since the Sept 11 2001 attacks on the United States.

Worldwide, an increasing number of traditional democratic parties were "resorting to the language of fear and exclusion, scapegoating and targeting ethnic or religious minorities in general, and immigrants and refugees in particular", he said.

In Europe, Muslims faced growing difficulties to establish places of worship and carry out their religious practices such as dietary regimens and burials, according to the U.N. envoy.

"Political parties with open anti-Islamic platforms have joined governmental coalitions in several countries and started to put in place their political agendas. In sum, Islamophobia is in the process of permeating all facets of social life."

The Swiss SVP/UDC has launched a referendum to ban construction of minarets in the Alpine country, home to 350,000 Muslims. A similar move is underway in Cologne, Germany.

Switzerland's delegation defended its system of direct democracy, where multiple issues are put to referendum each year, saying it showed great political transparency although "sometimes with exaggerated, regrettable views being expressed".

"The Swiss government has repeatedly stated its commitment to fight racism and the Swiss government will continue to take a clear stance against all forms of discrimination and xenophobia," Swiss ambassador Blaise Godet said.

 

[BATMAN]

Double post

 

[Always Neutral]

So you are saying they are partial to Indians (read hindus) and hate muslims ? Come on most Swiss are atheist they would not know the difference between Hindus or Muslims. Anyway the only things the post says is you can stay there but not become a citizen. How many countries in the world allow you to do the above ?

 

[Cheetah786]

Double post

Before we talk about European country who's prime minister goes to work on his bike and does the grocery shopping by himself with ordinary citizens.
lets look at the ARAB nations and how many will give you there citizenship.quite frankly iam glade the swiss have that system and no garbage can get in.

I have seen the so called Muslims living in england and quite frankly they are nothing but embarrassment to Islam be they from India or Pakistan.they haven't learned the language in 30 to 40 years.they like to live like bums so they can collect welfare from state most they wanna do to improve there life's is go drive a taxi.

In Pakistan we our selfs are sending afghans out or Pakistan as they have refuse to assimilate instead have tried to push there own ways of life on Pakistan.we cant blame others for doing the same to keep there ways of life.
If Muslims worried about Indian getting in and not letting Muslims in.here is a clue do the same Indians are doing educate them selfs and compete with whole world head on no nation will wanna keep you out.

 

[Marathaman]

I don't think their system is racist. Its their country, and they have full rights to admit whoever they want on whatever basis. Swiss culture is unique and should be preserved. If they need to ensure that immigrants adopt their way of life, then so be it.

The Swiss are a bunch of ultra-smart buggers who have lived peacefully while the world around them fought multiple wars and I fully support their policies...and their brains!

 

[BATMAN]

Before we talk about European country who's prime minister goes to work on his bike and does the grocery shopping by himself with ordinary citizens.

That’s the positive aspect of European life. As I know, all bike riders and pedestrians are not poor fellows in Europe.
When it comes to Swiss President he is not an ultimate power like US. He is just symbolic. Where as, govt. is controlled by Mafia style councils. Racism is prorogated in Switzerland 10 times more vigorously than a campaign of Swiss presidential elections. I heard it is advertised in Newspapers.
Forget about foreigners, what I’m talking is racism against already naturalized Swiss Muslims. Forget about blasphemousy, what I’m talking is degrading Muslims generally using all mass media. President can’t do any thing more than watching all country decorated with provocative pictures and remarks against minorities.

A Very recent statement of a Pakistani envoy upon the very same posters in Switzerland:
Islamaphobia threat to world peace: U.N. envoy

"Recent acts of defamation in the shape of blasphemous sketches in Sweden and posters in Switzerland reinforce this conclusion. Such blasphemy should not be encouraged in the name of freedom of expression," Pakistan's envoy Masood Khan said.

lets look at the ARAB nations and how many will give you there citizenship.quite frankly iam glade the swiss have that system and no garbage can get in.

No one has ever praised Arabs for there immigration policy and neither Arabs claim to be the most democratic and champions of human rights. Mostly Arab states call them self Kingdoms and not democratic republics. Still I think Arab immigration system has more positive sides as compare to the immigration system of so called European democractic states.

I have seen the so called Muslims living in england and quite frankly they are nothing but embarrassment to Islam be they from India or Pakistan.they haven't learned the language in 30 to 40 years.they like to live like bums so they can collect welfare from state most they wanna do to improve there life's is go drive a taxi.

Indeed, any one who behaves as you described brings shame upon him self. At the same time, I also believe that success is cumulative effect of planning, hardwork and opportunity. I don’t think Pakistanis get equal treatment and opportunities in Europe, perhaps conditions may be better in UK or in Taxi profession.

In Pakistan we our selfs are sending afghans out or Pakistan as they have refuse to assimilate instead have tried to push there own ways of life on Pakistan.we cant blame others for doing the same to keep there ways of life.

I did not dispute the naturalizing process or tight immigration rules of any state. I even favor tougher laws, but those must not be subjected to racism. It’s only the process of granting citizenship in Switzerland is **** to misuse and the very pureness which Swiss are trying to preserve is being exploited by Mafia style communities.
Imagine a person lived in Siwtzerland for 15 years and assimilate himself in Swiss way of life but when he go to his community they reject his appliction for unknown reasons and no state law can un do it.
It sounds to me same like what we call in Pakistan, 'Biradri System'.

Above posted latest BBC report says:
BBC NEWS | Europe | Swiss citizenship system 'racist'

Under the current system, foreigners apply through their local town or village.

They appear before a citizenship committee and answer questions about their desire to be Swiss. After that, they must often be approved by the entire voting community, in a secret ballot, or a show of hands. This practice, the report says, is particularly likely to be distorted by racial discrimination.

Any, way I was also surprised when I learned this in news and from some acquaintances.

If Muslims worried about Indian getting in and not letting Muslims in.here is a clue do the same Indians are doing educate them selfs and compete with whole world head on no nation will wanna keep you out.

What ever Indians have gained today is due to there mafia style community support. There embassies had done a great deal to provide platforms to build and establish such communities out of India.
In Pakistan I have seen many talented and studious kids doing wonders throughout there educational life, but they will never get an equal chance as compare to an average Indian guy, any where in west, today.

 

[Always Neutral]

Dear Batman,

Please read this link before saying anything further

http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servle...16406_20060217164142/Rendered/PDF/wps3853.pdf

SW has 20 % of its population has foreign workers hence there is no problem if any one with the necessary skill wishes to work there.

They are only selective to whom they wish to give their citizenship to.

Regards

 

[BATMAN]

Dear Batman,

Please read this link before saying anything further

http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servle...16406_20060217164142/Rendered/PDF/wps3853.pdf

Dear AN,
This thread was started on a recent report from BBC and not on some one’s personal opinion.
BBC NEWS | Europe | Swiss citizenship system 'racist'

Now would you mind telling me what the hell world bank has to do with subject matter, and FYI your posted link is not valid.
Please, don’t dispute me for the sake of argument or contest, when I google two words ‘racism+Europe’ I find Switzerland prominent in most hits.

SW has 20 % of its population has foreign workers hence there is no problem if any one with the necessary skill wishes to work there.

Foreigners - Switzerland - Information
Below quote is from above link and lot more information about Switzerland:
‘The overwhelming majority of foreign residents, 84.5% in 2005, comes from Europe’
Does this unsual ratio ring any bells?
FYI, Switzerland is a tax heaven in whole Europe and all the riches of world are domiciled there but are not very interested in citizenship, this is one of the main reasons for high ratio of foreigners.

They are only selective to whom they wish to give their citizenship to.

Regards

Why are you running in circles and trying to prove me adversary unnecessary?
Haven’t you read my post above? I would even favor if Swiss or any other country of the world tightens its immigration policy even further.
I’m criticizing the practice of local community voting system in Switzerland, which in its present state is being exploited in a planned manner by some bunch of foreigners.

 

[Always Neutral]

Dear AN,
This thread was started on a recent report from BBC and not on some one’s personal opinion.
BBC NEWS | Europe | Swiss citizenship system 'racist'

Now would you mind telling me what the hell world bank has to do with subject matter, and FYI your posted link is not valid.
Please, don’t dispute me for the sake of argument or contest, when I google two words ‘racism+Europe’ I find Switzerland prominent in most hits.



Foreigners - Switzerland - Information
Below quote is from above link and lot more information about Switzerland:
‘The overwhelming majority of foreign residents, 84.5% in 2005, comes from Europe’
Does this unsual ratio ring any bells?
FYI, Switzerland is a tax heaven in whole Europe and all the riches of world are domiciled there but are not very interested in citizenship, this is one of the main reasons for high ratio of foreigners.


Why are you running in circles and trying to prove me adversary unnecessary?
Haven’t you read my post above? I would even favor if Swiss or any other country of the world tightens its immigration policy even further.
I’m criticizing the practice of local community voting system in Switzerland, which in its present state is being exploited in a planned manner by some bunch of foreigners.

Okay World Bank is an idiot and Switzerland is Racist and Indians have made a fool of the Swiss and Ofcourse you are right. I opened the World Bank report again and there was no problems. Guess the WB realised you would expose their double speak and so they did not allow you to access them. World Bank are so racist ! I guess the best way for Switzerland to become normal is get rid of all its local born citizens and replace them immediately.