Statement by Libereco Switzerland on the Swiss parliament’s decision to restrict protection status S for refugees from Ukraine
The decision by the Swiss Parliament to restrict the protection status S only to people from occupied or contested territories in Ukraine instead of all Ukrainians is unworthy of Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition. We are shocked by the lack of empathy and the unrealistic assessment by the members of parliament from the SVP, FDP and Mitte parties who voted for this decision.
No area of Ukraine can be described as “safe” in this war. Rocket attacks have to be expected everywhere and at any time, repeatedly claiming lives and destroying homes and infrastructure, even in supposedly “safe” areas. The whole of Ukraine is suffering from massive power shortages due to destroyed power stations. Electricity can only be supplied for a few hours a day. And the third winter of war has only just begun!
The Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland are suffering enough because they are worried about their homeland as well as relatives and friends who have remained there. Their right to stay in Switzerland until the end of this war should not be called into question. The people who remain in the country show incredible resilience and urgently need our support. Those who do decide to flee should be given safe refuge as before. Wealthy, neutral Switzerland can afford to offer this protection.
We need political signals that strengthen understanding and patience among the Swiss population and show that what is happening in Ukraine is important for all of us in Europe.
At Libereco, we are keeping an eye on further developments.
