Taking a stand against rights violations
Several hundred protesters have urged parliament to increase efforts to fight abuse of women and children.
The protesters want Switzerland to speed up implementation of a 2011 European treaty, known as the Istanbul Convention, aimed at combating domestic violence. They also called for a nationwide prevention campaign and more shelters.
The demonstration in parliament square in Bern on Saturday came at the beginning of the annual 16-day awareness campaign by women’s groups.
Earlier this week about 180 experts took part in a conference to discuss measures to prevent gender-specific forms of violence, including genital mutilation, forced marriage and human trafficking.
Interior Minister Alain Berset told the meeting that women’s rights were a priority of Switzerland’s humanitarian policy.
A recent study published by a government-advisory commission found that more than 20 people die as a result of domestic violence in Switzerland every year.
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