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Until 1973, around 2000 children from Yenish and Sinti families were forcibly placed in Switzerland. The picture shows a Yenish family on the road in Graubünden in 1978. (Archive)
Keystone
The removal and forced placement of children from Yenish and Sinti ethnic groups in Switzerland during the 20th century is a crime against humanity. This was stated in a declaration approved by the National Council on Monday.
The declaration was requested and formulated by the majority of the Legal Affairs Committee (RK-N). The Council voted in favor by 100 votes to 67, with 20 abstentions.
In the declaration, the National Council acknowledges "that a minority of Swiss citizens were victims of persecution in their own country that qualifies as a 'crime against humanity' under current international law".
"It recognizes the grave suffering inflicted on the victims and their families by the actions of state institutions and expresses its regret," the statement continued.
The Council appeals to the Confederation, cantons and communes to work to protect the interests of the Yenish and Sinti communities and thus recognize the nomadic way of life as a living tradition.
In February 2025, the Federal Council wrote that a total of 2,000 children had to be assumed to have been placed outside the home by 1973. At the time, the Federal Council had classified the persecution of Yenish children as a crime against humanity.
27.04.2026, 18:55
