Major Challenges | Debates on how to provide best conditions for a peaceful cohabitation of all national and foreign-born citizens in multilingual Switzerland.; increasing anti-islamistic populism - e.g. debates on minarets (whether or not is there space for them in Switzerland?); incidents of racial discrimination; manifestations of violence in sports (e.g. football and icehockey). |
Main Interpretations | Growing awareness of the need for ICD in ORDER to address the increase of racism and xenophobia. Strong focus on integration and social cohesion. |
No general authority for matters of ICD.
Federal Office of Cultural Affairs (Bundesamt für Kultur - BAK)
(http://www.nb.admin.ch/bak/org/)
POLICIES:
In June 2007, the Government submitted, after two years of public debate, a Federal Law on the Promotion of Culture (Kulturförderungsgesetz - KFG) to the Parliament. This law framework, which has been combined with new regluations for the national cultural foundation (Pro Helvetia), stipulates regulations on the division of competences and responsibilities in matters of culture at the Swiss Federal level. Inter alia, the draft law prioritizes, in article 8, projects which contribute especially "to the development of the cultural and linguistic diversity" in the country (which refers mainly to the 4 recognized language areas).
The provision of art. 15 which gives the federal Government the right to take measures in favour of "travellers, to enable a lifestyle which correponds with their culture" ("Der Bund kann Massnahmen treffen, um den Fahrenden eine ihrer Kultur entsprechende Lebensweise zu ermöglichen.") can be considered novel, by European comparison. This provision, however, has been criticised by an NGO, since it singles out travelling gypsies, which are considered as only one of the different ethnic groups to be found in Switzerland (Travellers, Sinti and Roma).
Swiss Arts Council / Stiftung Pro Helvetia
(http://www.prohelvetia.ch/)
Besides general support for artists, Pro Helvetia also devises its own programmes in priority areas. These areas include fostering mutual understanding (between the linguistic regions and cultural milieus) in Switzerland, intercultural dialogue, popular culture and dance.
CIVIL SOCIETY (EX):
Swiss Coalition for Cultural Diversity / Schweizer Koalition für die Kulturelle Vielfalt
(http://www.coalitionsuisse.ch/pages/profil_fr.htm)
Coalition of cultural organisations, NGOs and well-known individuals, founded in 2005. The Coalition aims at e.g. the maintenance of minority cultures, the stronger valorisation of culture in Swiss society and an improved international solidarity.
The Swiss Cantons (Regions) assume the main responsibility for educational issues in the country.
Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EKD)
(http://www.edk.ch/)
Organisation for national coordination of policies in the fields of education and culture. Federal responsibility in partnership with the federal organs, especially the Federal Office of Cultural Affairs (see 2.) No specific programmes related to ICD.
Issues related to children and young people are handled within the department of Family, Generations and Society (FGS) of the Federal Social Insurance Office
(http://www.bsv.admin.ch/themen/kinder_jugend_alter/index.html?lang=en)
Federal Commission for Children and Youth (Commission Fédérale pour l'Enfance et la Jeunesse - CFEJ)
(http://www.cfej.ch/)
Consisting of 20 independent experts for children and youth questions, working below the structure of the department of Family, Generations and Society (see above).
In 2002 and 2003, the CFEJ focussed its activities on the integration of children and young people of foreign origin (a final report is available on the website).
Federal Office for Sport (BASPO)
(http://www.baspo.admin.ch/internet/baspo/de/home/)
Policies:
Concept of the Federal Council for Sport Policies in Switzerland (Konzept des Bundesrates für eine Sportpolitik in der Schweiz), 2006
Among its main goals, it includes "social integration through sport activities", seen as a cross-cut policy guideline. An Action Plan "Fighting violence in and around Sports" was set up in summer 2007, with measures to be taken and further developed in this field.
The Federal Commission against Racism (FCR)
(http://www.ekr-cfr.ch/ekr/)
Established on a decision of the Federal Government in 1994, in ORDER to implement the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965).
EX: The Text Campaign «Ohne Ausgrenzung» (Without discrimination, 2007), following on 10 years after another very successful campaign ‘The beautiful appearance' (1997), it chooses 15 people who clearly reject all unequal treatment and racially motivated discrimination. A large public response is expected.
Forum for the Integration of Migrants (FIMM)
(http://www.fimm.ch/portraitde.php)
Umbrella organisation of migrants' organisations in Switzerland, founded in 2000, advocating and representing interests of their members and offering an important platform for information and discussion.
Swiss (cultural) trans-border activities are realised in cooperation between different actors; with special importance for ICD related issues:
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA)
(http://www.eda.admin.ch/)
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation within the EDA (Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit - DEZA)
(http://www.deza.admin.ch/)
Promotion of artists FROM developing countries temporarily staying in Switzerland (South Culture Fond), promotion of organisations committed to cultural dialogue
Swiss Arts Council / Pro Helvetia (see also 2.)
(http://www.prohelvetia.ch/)
Supports projects with smaller budget, with the more expensive projects being funded by the EDA.
Federal Office of Cultural Affairs (see also 2.)
(http://www.nb.admin.ch/bak/org/)
EX: Swiss Cultural Programme (http://www.pro-helvetia.ch/index.cfm?rub=1240&id=4340)
Long-term support programme funded by DEZA and implemented by Pro Helvetia in seven South-East European countries - 15 self developed, diverse 4-year projects, focussing on the arts and fostering inter-group, inter-ethnic and inter-cultural understanding. ð See independent report
‘Culture at the heart of transformation' http://www.pro-helvetia.ch/index.cfm?rub=927&id=4376%20
