Which language would you like to use this site in Switzerland: Amnesty International sounds the alarm and urges action to put an end to human rights violations in federal asylum centres Amnesty International has conducted in-depth research into violence against people seeking asylum and housed in Swiss federal asylum centres The investigation reveals severe ill-treatment by security staff In light of this Amnesty International is sounding the alarm about human rights violations against people seeking asylum – including unaccompanied minors and the urgent need for the Swiss government to take action to stop the abuse The briefing titled “‘I ask that they treat asylum seekers like human beings’ Human Rights Violations in Swiss Federal Asylum Centres” documents incidents of ill-treatment by employees of the private security companies Securitas AG and Protectas AG who are contracted by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) The abuses detailed in the briefing occurred between January 2020 and April 2021 in the centres of Basel The information in the briefing is based on interviews with 32 people eighteen current and former security guards social workers and social educators who had witnessed abuse criminal complaints and other relevant information and documents Amnesty International interviewed fourteen people seeking asylum including two children who reported being subjected to abuse at the hands of security guards sustained force used that restricted their breathing to an extent that led them to suffering an epileptic seizure or loss of consciousness and difficulties of breathing through the use of pepper gel being locked in a metal container resulting in hypothermia and other abuses Six of the people harmed this way required hospital treatment for their injuries and two were denied medical treatment even though they requested assistance The cases and information collected for this briefing point to abuses that could constitute torture or other ill-treatment and violate Switzerland’s obligations under international law The accounts of ill-treatment we heard from victims – including children and other professionals working in the centres are deeply concerning In addition to the complaints of physical harm they also expressed their worry that particular hostility prejudice and racism is directed towards people “The situation we detail in the briefing sounds the alarm Whilst we welcome the recent commitment by the State Secretariat for Migration to conduct an external investigation into individual allegations of abuse what we have found indicates that the government must go beyond thinking these acts of abuse are just the actions of a few ‘bad apples’ and instead act to address urgent systemic issues and take measures to prevent ill-treatment eradicate racist abuse and protect the human rights of people in federal asylum centres.” Amnesty International’s research provides a concerning picture of ill-treatment in federal asylum centres and indicates the existence of systemic failures by the authorities as the situation currently leaves people housed in the centres vulnerable to abuse and harm The majority of the security guards interviewed by Amnesty International criticised the training provided to guards They shared their shock at the instructions from superiors to quickly resort to violence and coercive measures in particular concerns were expressd about the use of the “reflection room” provocative and disrespectful behaviour of certain fellow security guards towards the people in the federal asylum centres was tolerated or even encouraged by their superiors Some people working in the federal asylum centres expressed a concern that the system seems to be based on the assumption that people housed in federal asylum centres are potentially violent and dangerous and this approach may reinforce pre-existing negative stereotypes and prejudices about them Amnesty International is particularly alarmed by the lack of safeguards including robust and proactive monitoring and protection mechanisms by the SEM in federal asylum centres Amnesty International expresses concern at the way the “reflection room” is being used by guards that violates the rights of people at the centre and also breaches the centre’s own rules that govern the use of the room The organisation is also concerned at the use of a metal container outside one centre as an improvised holding cell and as a location and method of punishment lawyers and social care workers interviewed by the human rights organisation expressed concerns about the practice of some guards to write reports which are not accurate to the incidents of violence when they occur Amnesty International is also very concerned at the cases it has documented of ill-treatment of children Additionally of concern is that some minors are housed in the centres with adults Amnesty International found that the victims interviewed did not know where to turn to lodge a complaint and that access to justice for victims of ill-treatment was fraught with obstacles no person who works or has worked in the centres was aware of any whistleblowing mechanisms security staff and legal representatives working at the centres expressed their doubts about the transparency efficiency and thoroughness of the SEM’s investigations into incidents of violence The Swiss authorities must take measures to enhance its preventative safeguards and ensure robust and proactive monitoring systems are in place which are specifically aimed at ensuring all people in asylum centres are protected ill-treatment and racist abuse we urge that all allegations of human rights violations are investigated promptly thoroughly and impartially and that those responsible for such abuses are brought to justice Amnesty International calls for independent that are available and accessible for persons housed in centre and staff and that everyone is aware of how to use them the organisation calls on the authorities to take action to address negative and harmful stereotypes and racist views about people seeking asylum and to stop placing unaccompanied minors in federal asylum centres After the SEM started operating the federal asylum centres in March 2019 following the entry into force of the Asylum Act it outsourced security tasks at the centres to private companies Concerns about abuses and ill-treatment of detainees were first brought to Amnesty International’s attention by social workers and security guards and subsequently by people seeking asylum who are or were housed in the centres themselves as well as legal representatives who work or have worked in the Federal Asylum Centres For further information and interview requests, please contact Amnesty Switzerland’s media office +41 (0)79 379 80 37 or [email protected] Together we can fight for human rights everywhere Your donation can transform the lives of millions If you are talented and passionate about human rights then Amnesty International wants to hear from you Zund America celebrated the much-anticipated grand opening of its new facilities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov In the true spirit of business camaraderie and partnership family-owned Swiss manufacturer of multifunctional digital cutting systems Zund America celebrated the recent completion of its brand spanking new headquarters in Oak Creek with a lavish grand opening event befitting one of the digital cutting industry’s leading lights and marketing modular digital cutting systems and has made a prominent name for itself worldwide as a market leader in a plethora of different industries The technological excellence of Zünd cutters stems from the company’s values on superior quality standards and a strong focus on its customers and their market-specific needs for cutting Zund America celebrated the much-anticipated grand opening of its new facilities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony The ribbon was cut by a Oak Creek’s mayor Daniel Bukiewicz in addition to number of different Zund employees and officials Not only did those in attendance get to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony they also had the opportunity to tour the new building see the state-of-the-art digital cutting system equipment and get to find out more about the new headquarters Guests quickly learned that the new building was purposely designed to be a reflection of Zünd’s environmental values The pristine facility has thoughtfully incorporated high-efficiency glass panels HVAC and building automation systems for light which helps to reduce Zund America’s overall environmental footprint (PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT) Mayor Daniel Bukiewicz Zund America chief executive officer; Chris Nicholson operations director Zund America; Fabian Graf owner/principal studio graf; Larissa Rohner chief branch offices Zünd Systemtechnik AG; Oliver Zünd chief executive officer Zünd Systemtechnik AG; Martin Schaufelberger president of the board Zünd Holding AG take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Zund America headquarters While attendees who flocked there without a doubt impressed by the building’s exterior and interior design they quickly understood that the new North American headquarters represents more than just a building the opening of the new facility acts as a true testament to Zund America’s remarkable growth and success over the past 15 years Established in 2004 as sister company to the Altstätten Zund America has grown from a handful of employees to more than 80 and has now tripled the total square footage of its facilities to nearly 60,000-square-feet high-tech structure combines under one roof expanded demonstration and training facilities parts & consumables warehousing and logistics the grand inauguration of the new North American operation represents a bright new chapter for Zund America state-of-the art facility represents a tremendous investment in the future of our company,” states Ryan “With nearly 10,000-square-feet devoted to demonstrations and training the new customer experience center is very much the centerpiece of the new building Adds Ryan: “The greater space and efficiencies it also affords all other departments will allow us to continue supporting our rapidly growing customer base in the U.S. and the Caribbean for years to come and deliver the world-class service for which Zünd is known.” Even though Zund America is relishing in the moment and enjoying the new building they are also emphasizing the importance of always looking to the future 15.03.2018  |  News WSL| News SLF rockfall and rock avalanches in Switzerland in 2017 caused damage totalling around CHF 170 million Overland flow caused particularly serious damage to buildings and a rock avalanche claimed eight lives These were the findings of the annual evaluation of the Swiss flood and landslide damage database kept by the Federal Institute for Forest flooding that occurred on 2 September caused extensive damage to many buildings in the municipalities of Widnau Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) has been systematically collecting information on storm damage since 1972 The database created with significant support from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) contains data on damage caused by floods forest and agricultural damage are based primarily on media reports The data are available to experts upon request and constitute an important basis for risk assessment WSL and SLF provide image and sound material free of charge for use in press releases in connection with this media release sound and/or video databases and the sale of the material by third parties is not permitted Knowhow for forestry experts and all others interested in the forest Swiss National Forest Inventory NFI - a forest information service Access to environmental monitoring and research data WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF in Davos Information platform for early detection of drought in Switzerland August Manser lays the foundation stone for today's August Manser AG in Altstätten when he establishes a sole proprietorship under his own name the first precision mechanic takes up his work and the company develops over time into a stable August Manser AG describes itself as a leading service company for mechanical and mechatronic systems and services The company's wide-ranging clientele finds a competent creative and long-term partner in the modern high-tech operation: from innovation and product development through industrialization and precision manufacturing to the assembly of subassemblies and systems Michael Manser has been managing the family business in the second generation Our most important success factor is our employees," says Michael Manser "In a future-oriented working environment with training and development opportunities Through the networking of innovative ideas sophisticated solutions are generated every day because you can only build sustainable success on a strong foundation." Thanks to qualified employees and a future-oriented infrastructure it is possible to meet increasing customer requirements and the highest quality standards August Manser AG is therefore constantly modernizing its machinery relying on new technologies and innovative ideas the company employs about 100 people at two locations in Altstätten; since 1980 Manser has thus become an important economic pillar of the region with an impact far beyond the St.Gallen Rhine Valley It is also striking that the company employs many long-serving employees which speaks for the continuing attractiveness of the jobs Michael Manser was able to congratulate six employees on a total of 140 years with the company The Manser Group includes the companies Sedax AG InLack AG and admantec AG with a total of 50 employees Company website: www.manser-ag.com the award ceremony of the ninth Prix SVC Ostschweiz 2020 should have taken place on March 5 the corona virus put a big spoke in the organizers' wheel: the event had to be postponed cancellation was never an issue," said OC President Christoph Zeller "The finalists deserved a worthy award ceremony" the time had come: in strict compliance with the hygiene rules imposed by the FOPH the award ceremony could be held live after all the number of guests present was limited to 300 and the traditional Apéro Riche following the award ceremony was replaced by a dinner Exhibition stands of sponsors and prize winners had to be dispensed with But the main thing was: finally a live event again who were selected from 150 companies in eastern Switzerland by a 13-member jury of experts headed by Andrea Fanzun therefore had to wait a little longer than usual The selection of companies was quite impressive: traditional crafts such as winegrowing (Davaz Holding AG) met classic toolmaking and mechanical engineering (Heule Werkzeuge AG consumer goods (Glatz AG) and high-tech (Evatec AG) - all in all a representative cross-section of the Eastern Switzerland corporate landscape "A unique success story" is how jury president Andrea Fanzun described the development of this company which came into being in 2004 as a management buyout of Unaxis when co-founders Andreas Wälti (now CEO) and Marco Padrun (now CTO) started out with five employees the company employs more than 450 people worldwide The jury president commented: "These figures deserve respect and recognition Responsible for this are an entrepreneurially competent management team highly qualified employees and the highest quality in the construction of coating systems for thin films in the semiconductor 380 granted and 200 pending patents testify to the innovative strength of the company which convinces customers all over the world with its developments and products Second place went to Integra Biosciences AG from Zizers which impressed the jury not only with its "outstanding market position" but also with its consistent customer orientation and its distinctive culture of innovation The company is a recognized innovation leader for electronic pipettes and manufactures and sells high-quality laboratory equipment for the precise dispensing of liquids - an area that is currently "booming" in connection with vaccine research Third place went to Zünd Systemtechnik AG from Altstätten which specializes in the development and manufacture of digital flatbed cutting systems 210 of them at its headquarters in the Rhine Valley The other finalists and award winners of the evening were Davaz Holding AG (Fläsch among others the Rimuss brand belongs to this group of companies) manufacturer of high-quality sunshades and shading systems) and Heule Werkzeug AG (Balgach global technology leader in the field of bore machining) Those people who could not attend due to lack of space were able to follow the event via livestream the TV station TVO will broadcast a special program on August 23 The awarding of the tenth Prix SVC Ostschweiz will take place on Thursday 2022 - hopefully then again on the usual grand scale More information: Swiss Venture Club Der neue SBB-Fahrplan ist da: Das sind die wichtigsten Änderungen in der Ostschweiz Der SBB-Fahrplan vom 9. Dezember 2018 bringt den Reisenden in der Ostschweiz und im Raum Zürich etliche Verbesserungen. Was ändert sich konkret? Wir haben für Sie sämtliche Änderungen in der Ostschweiz zusammengetragen. Im neuen Fahrplan rückt die Ostschweiz insgesamt näher an Zürich. Während der Hauptverkehrszeiten unter der Woche verkehren zwischen Zürich und St. Gallen neu vier Fernverkehrszüge pro Stunde und Richtung. Zudem beschleunigen bauliche Massnahmen die Reise. S-Bahn und Fernverkehr Zürich–Wil–St.Gallen–Rheintal Die vor drei Jahren eingeführte schnelle Verbindung zwischen den Städten St.Gallen, Kreuzlingen und Konstanz verkehrt neu stündlich. Die Linie wird bis Herisau verlängert. Aufgrund des geänderten Fahrplankonzepts im Kanton Thurgau verschieben sich die Abfahrten um jeweils etwa 15 Minuten. Die Bahnhaltestelle Gübsensee mit zuletzt noch drei Ein- und Aussteigern je Tag kann ab dem Fahrplanwechsel nicht mehr bedient werden. Mit der Einführung des neuen Angebotskonzepts im Kanton Thurgau verschieben sich die Abfahrtszeiten der S8 St.Gallen–Romanshorn und S7 Rorschach–Romanshorn um 15 Minuten. Die Ankunft und Abfahrt der S2 St.Gallen–Altstätten verändern sich in Altstätten im Minutenbereich. Die Busanschlüsse Richtung Oberriet–Rüthi sind weiterhin gewährleistet. Das städtische Busnetz in St.Gallen wird neu nummeriert und erhält neue Linienführungen und Verknüpfungen. Punktuell wird das Angebot ausgebaut. Die Abfahrtszeiten der Regionalbusse werden an die geänderten Bahnfahrpläne angepasst. Dank überlagerten Linien erhalten Tübach und Steinach einen Viertelstundentakt Richtung St.Gallen. Die Abfahrtszeiten der S5 ändern leicht. Neu hält jeder Zug am Bahnhof Arnegg. Die Buserschliessung von Andwil wird angepasst und ausgebaut. Für die Gemeinde Waldkirch verändert sich die öV-Verbindung in Richtung St.Gallen. Anstatt via Engelburg bestehen neu in Wittenbach Anschlussmöglichkeiten auf die S-Bahn und den Stadtbus. Appenzeller Bahnen und Appenzeller Vorderland Das Busangebot zwischen Uznach und Gommiswald wird ausgebaut sowie systematisiert: Die Buslinie 632 wird zu den Hauptverkehrszeiten Montag bis Freitag zwischen Uznach und Uetliburg, Giegen zum Halbstundentakt ausgebaut. Die Linien 632 und 633 verkehren abends länger. Dafür wird der heutige Abendrundkurs 634 eingestellt. Im Abschnitt Wattwil–Wildhaus werden bei der Buslinie 790 die Abfahrtszeiten angepasst. Neu besteht am Bahnhof Nesslau ein schlanker Anschluss zur Bahn. Somit verkürzt sich die Reisezeit zwischen Wattwil und dem Obertoggenburg um rund 9 Minuten. Die Abfahrtszeiten der Buslinien werden an den neuen Bahnfahrplan angepasst. Punktuell wird das Angebot ausgebaut. Die Buslinie nach Gähwil verkehrt neu bis 23 Uhr im Halbstundentakt mit Zusatzkursen von Montag bis Freitag zur Hauptverkehrszeit nach Kirchberg. In Flawil und Uzwil ergeben sich grössere Veränderungen bei der Buserschliessung. Die Haltestelle Maestrani wird neu im Halbstundentakt bedient. Die Stadtbuslinien 701 bis 704 werden von Montag bis Freitag tagsüber auf den durchgehenden Viertelstundentakt ausgebaut. Damit können am Bahnhof Wil alle Anschlüsse an die Züge gewährleistet werden. Die Fernverkehrszüge IC8 Zürich–Romanshorn werden beschleunigt. Die Umsteigezeiten in Romanshorn Richtung Rorschach und Richtung Kreuzlingen werden kürzer. Daraus resultiert ein Reisezeitgewinn von rund 15 Minuten. RE Konstanz–Kreuzlingen Hafen–Romanshorn–St. Gallen–Herisau verkehrt neu von 6 bis 21 Uhr stündlich. Die Fahrzeit Romanshorn–St. Gallen beträgt nur 18 Minuten. Der Zug wird neu bis Herisau geführt. In Rorschach besteht ein guter Anschluss von der S7 an den IR13 nach Chur. Daraus resultiert ein Reisezeitgewinn bis zu 15 Minuten. S7 Romanshorn–Rorschach verkehrt um 15 Minuten verschoben. S7 Rorschach–Romanshorn–Weinfelden verkehrt ab Romanshorn nach Weinfelden neu nur mit Halt in Amriswil. S10 Wil SG–Weinfelden–Romanshorn verkehrt Montag bis Freitag von 5 bis 20 Uhr durchgehend im Halbstundentakt mit Halt an allen Bahnhöfen. Übrige Zeiten im Stundentakt. S8 Schaffhausen–St. Gallen verkehrt um 15 Minuten verschoben. S8 Schaffhausen–Romanshorn–St. Gallen fährt alle 30 Minuten direkt weiter als S1 nach Gossau, Flawil, Uzwil und Wil. 80.200 St. Gallen–Wittenbach–Arbon: Das Fahrplanangebot wird sonntags von 8 bis 18 Uhr zum Halbstundentakt ausgebaut. 80.931 Münsterlingen–Langrickenbach–Amriswil: Schrofen, Oberaach, Engishofen und Kümmertshausen werden neu durch die Linie 931 bedient (bisher durch die Linie 944). Das Fahrplanangebot wird Montag – Freitag zum Stundentakt ausgebaut. 80.940 Amriswil–Romanshorn–Arbon: Das Fahrplanangebot wird Montag-Freitag bis 20 Uhr zum durchgehenden Halbstundentakt ausgebaut. 80.941 Amriswil–Arbon: Die Buslinie 941 verkehrt neu über den Bahnhof Steinebrunn und hat dort gute Anschlüsse an die S8 Richtung St. Gallen. Das Fahrplanangebot wird am Abend bis 23 Uhr und am Freitag und Samstag bis 24 Uhr ausgebaut. 80.943 Amriswil–Bischofszell: Das Fahrplanangebot wird Montag-Freitag bis 19 Uhr zum durchgehenden Halbstundentakt ausgebaut. Während der Hauptverkehrszeit verkehren zwischen Zihlschlacht und Bischofszell zusätzliche Busse mit einem guten Anschluss an die S5 Richtung St. Gallen. 80.944 Amriswil–Dozwil–Sommeri: Die Linie 944 wird neu bis nach Obersommeri geführt. Schrofen, Oberaach, Engishofen und Kümmertshausen werden neu durch die Linie 931 bedient. Erlen wird halbstündlich mit der S10 bedient. Die Fähre Romanshorn–Friedrichshafen verkehrt um 15 Minuten verschoben. Damit kann in Romanshorn der Anschluss an die Fernverkehrszüge deutlich verbessert werden. Im Fahrplan 2019 starten auch die Ausbauarbeiten am Zugersee welche aber zunächst zu einer verlängerten Reisezeit auf der Nord-Süd-Achse führen Daneben unternimmt die SBB weitere Bau- und Unterhaltsarbeiten vor allem in der Nacht In der Westschweiz dünnt sie deshalb das Angebot auf den Strecken Lausanne-Genf Flughafen und Lausanne-Brig von Sonntag bis Donnerstag in den Randstunden ab 20 Uhr aus