Historic Recognition: Switzerland Acknowledges Past Persecution of Yenish People

Swiss government officially recognizes historical persecution of Yenish nomadic community as crime against humanity, marking significant step in addressing past injustices.

Key Takeaways

Swiss government officially recognized the persecution of Yenish people as a crime against humanity
Forcible removal of Yenish children occurred between 1926 and 1973
Law professor Oliver Diggelmann authored the government-sponsored research report
Swiss President Alphons Egli made initial apology in 1986

By The Numbers

47 years

Duration of child removal program (1926-1973)

They Said

"It makes a huge difference whether a government just apologises for its past behavior or admits it to be a crime against humanity"
— Lillan Støen, secretary of Taternes Landsforening

"Most countries have gone no further than issuing an official apology – even where the injustices are well documented"
— Neda Korunovska, Roma Foundation for Europe

Historic Recognition and Government Acknowledgment

Historical Context and Persecution

Legal Implications and Report Findings

European Perspective and Comparative Analysis

Path Forward and Reconciliation

Sources & References

Slow justice for Europe’s travelling people

SWI swissinfo.ch