Politics Afghan women continue to receive asylum as a rule

Afghan women and girls will generally continue to be granted asylum in Switzerland. The asylum practice introduced in summer 2023 remains in place. On Wednesday, the Council of States also rejected a motion to reverse the corresponding decision.

The small chamber reached its decision by 25 votes to 14 with two abstentions. The proposal from the ranks of the FDP is therefore off the table. At the end of May, the National Council rejected a motion with the same request by a majority of one vote. The motions are therefore off the table.

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) decided to change the practice in July 2023 following a recommendation from the European Asylum Agency. It justified the move by saying that the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan had steadily deteriorated since the Taliban came to power. The fundamental rights of women are severely restricted.

SDA