The Swiss Refugee Council highlighted that the final report of the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration’s (SEM) pilot project on external reporting offices confirms the need for an independent, nationwide mechanism to report violence and human rights violations in federal asylum centres. Launched in response to a 2021 recommendation following media reports of abuse, the project ran from November 2022 to October 2024. It involved two reporting offices managed by the Swiss Workers’ Relief Agency, later expanded to more centres and groups.
Over 300 reports were submitted, mostly concerning housing and infrastructure, but some revealed serious rights violations, including abuse of unaccompanied minors. The evaluation, conducted by TC Team Consult, recommends establishing a central, independent office, separate from the SEM, with mobile units and an expanded online presence. The Swiss Refugee Council supports this and urges swift implementation, along with clear communication and accessibility for asylum seekers and staff.