(More than 600 cases between 1926 and 1972)

Geneva / Switzerland (RNN Correspondent) 23.06.1998

A study about the forcible separation of Roma and Sinti children from their migrating parents has caused indignation and great concern in Switzerland. The study had been commissioned by the government and was published on Friday. It speaks of more than 600 cases in Switzerland during the period of 1926 - 1972. Ruth Dreifuss, minister of the interior, called it a tragic example for the discrimination and persecution of a minority".

Due to the report the authorities had financed the forcible separations. A welfare organization" which had been founded for this purpose only, had sent the children to strange families, orphanages, and even to psychiatric clinics. They were not allowed to keep in touch with their parents anymore.

The Geneve newspaper Le Temps" called these children the victims of a Swiss-model purge". Due to the report, the persons in charge told the children that their parents are dead or alcoholics, who did not care about them anymore. The aim of this action was to separate the children forever from their parents to their own advantage". From 1988 - 1993 the Swiss authorities paid already 11 Mio. Swiss Francs as compensation to the victims.