Non-refoulement

The principle of non-refoulement is the cornerstone of asylum and of international refugee law. It is also enshrined in Swiss national law.

The 1951 Geneva Convention prohibits deportation to an area where the life or freedom of the refugee would be threatened on the grounds of ethnic origin, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. This prohibition applies not only to the direct or indirect deportation to the country of origin, but also to any other country in which the refugee must fear either persecution within the meaning of Article 1 of the 1951 Geneva Convention or deportation to such a country. Similar non-refoulement obligations exist in several human rights treaties.

This means that Switzerland cannot return you, directly or indirectly, to your home country or to any other country where you would be at risk of serious harm.

➡️Have a look at UNHCR Note on the Principle of Non-Refoulement for a more detailed explanation or read OHCHR: The principle of non-refoulement under international human rights law.