It’s done: Over 62,000 signatures collected against Frontex
Despite pandemic-related social distance, wintry cold and political headwinds, the campaign has succeeded: Over 62,000 signatures were collected for the “Referendum against the financing of the border protection agency Frontex”. It is a success of solidarity, made possible by the efforts of grassroots organizations and individuals. Many people no longer want to accept the violent migration policy. On Thursday, the signatures will be handed over to the Bundeskanzlei in Bern.
“Anyone who is serious about protection for refugees must stop the Frontex expansion. When refugees drown in the closely monitored Mediterranean, it is not an accident, but murder” says Malek Ossi from Watch the Med Alarmphone Switzerland.
NoFrontex: Started by the Migrant Solidarity Network and supported by 70 organizations
The referendum was collected under difficult conditions: The Corona pandemic was coming to a head, the winter cold was keeping people out of public spaces, and the grassroots organizations that carried the referendum did not have the same resources available as large organizations and political parties.
Before the end of the year, the NoFrontex referendum committee sounded the alarm. There was a final run of solidarity in which thousands from all over Switzerland participated. Numerous people collected again on the streets, mobilized friends and went to their neighbors with the signature sheet.
End violence, misery and death at the external borders of Europe
At the external borders of the Schengen area, the human rights of refugees are grossly disregarded. Refugees are beaten and deported. Tens of thousands drown, freeze to death or succumb to injuries and diseases. Fundamental rights are denied. As the European border and coast guard, Frontex is partly responsible. The accusations against Frontex weigh heavily: lack of transparency, looking the other way and involvement in human rights violations. Nevertheless, the parliament wants to more than quadruple the annual contribution payments to Frontex. The referendum aims to prevent this.
No money for human rights violations
Switzerland is co-financing the increasing isolation of Europe: The Swiss contribution to Frontex would increase from today’s 14 million to 61 million francs per year by 2027. In addition, the Swiss Border Guard Corps would increasingly participate in armed Frontex missions abroad. As a non-EU country, Switzerland has no vote in the design of Frontex, but pays a disproportionate share of the Frontex budget.
NoFrontex recommends on May 15, 2022:
YES to freedom of movement and NO to the expansion of Frontex.