Swiss Authorities Fought Nomadic Minorities

The Swiss National Council issued a declaration recognizing the suffering caused to nomadic groups through historical practices. These practices included removing children from families, placing them under guardianship, and forced sterilization until the late 1970s. The Council expressed regret and called for the preservation of nomadism as living intangible heritage. The UDC and parts of the PL rejected the declaration, arguing the classification of these actions as crimes against humanity was excessive. These practices continued until the end of the 1970s as the state attempted to abolish nomadic lifestyles. The Swiss Federal Council has rejected a proposal to exempt high earners from tracking working hours and rest periods. The proposal, introduced by GLP President Jörg Großen, suggested that individuals earning more than 120,000 Swiss francs annually should not be required to record their working time. Großen argued that high earners should have more influence over their own working conditions. The Federal Council remains opposed to the measure. Between 1926 and 1973, Swiss authorities and the church combatted the nomadic lifestyle of the Yenish and Sinti minorities. A project by 'Hilfswerk für die Menschen in der Welt' is documenting this period.