Your Rights in collective centers

Health

If you need medical assistance, make sure the staff center knows. Be very clear about this.
If the staff refuses to arrange a doctor’s appointment, let them know that this might be criminal offense.
If medical attention is refused:
- You always have the right to visit the emergency room (hospital, “City-Notfall”).
- Always contact a legal counseling center in the address section under Human rights & repression, or, in the case of medical emergencies, contact one of the numbers in the section Medical issues.

The staff of the center has a duty of care regarding problems between residents. This means that they must intervene in the case of conflicts among residents and, if necessary, protect residents from threats or danger.
In case of bullying, theft, discrimination, or other problems, always contact the staff.
If the staff does not act in case of conflicts, or if you have mental or physical health problems due to the conditions in the center, please contact the organization responsible for the center (for example the Salvation Army’s refugee center).
Regardless of the kinds of problems with other residents, always contact the staff. There are no taboos.
If you have any problems with the center staff, please contact a counseling center. If the problems persist: contact a legal counseling center from the address section under Human rights & repression or Foreigners.

Room searches in asylum centers occur frequently. When the police arrive in your room and you are not the target of the search, let the officers know which boxes and items belong to you.
If you hinder the search, this can have criminal consequences.
If objects are confiscated by the police, always demand a receipt.
Confiscation by the center staff is not permitted.

Always insist that women and families get a room separate from men.
If you feel pressured for any reason, please contact the staff or the relevant counseling center in the address section.
Asylum-seeking children have the right to attend school until the end of compulsory education (9^th grade in Switzerland). Likewise, they have the right to go to secondary schools, or to begin an apprenticeship. Unfortunately, asylum-seeking children do not always get enrolled in school, the cantons seem to manage this issue differently.
Always contact a legal counseling center in the address section under Foreigners

If your social benefits are confiscated by the police, ask for a receipt from them to reclaim the money later.
Go to the center management and ask for confirmation that you have been paid social allowance and when.
Never have more than CHF 400 on you since the police can take it from you.
Contact a legal counseling center in the address section under Human rights & repression or Foreigners.

If you live and work in Switzerland without a residence permit and if you have questions about health, work, school education or housing, you can contact the Sans-Papiers office, in the address section under Foreigners.