Switzerland: Injured Somali Deported, Medical Treatment Halted

• Swiss authorities are proceeding with the deportation of a seriously injured Somali man to Mogadishu, despite his lawyers' objections and the cancellation of planned medical treatment.
• The man, who has lived in Switzerland for 11 years, sustained severe skull fractures, a traumatic brain injury, and eye injuries after an alleged attack at an asylum accommodation.
• Two scheduled operations for the man were reportedly prevented by Swiss authorities, according to the human rights group Augenauf.
• The case has prompted human rights advocates to accuse Swiss authorities of serious violations of both domestic and international law during forced deportations.
• Switzerland provides financial and technical support to Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency while also tightening visa rules for Somalia to improve readmission cooperation.

Despite his critical condition and scheduled surgeries, Swiss authorities reportedly prevented two essential operations, paving the way for his removal.

Swiss authorities are proceeding with the deportation of a seriously injured Somali man to Mogadishu this week, despite objections from his legal representatives and the cancellation of planned medical treatment. The individual, a father of three children residing in Europe, has lived in Switzerland for 11 years. His removal is scheduled for Thursday, with a flight via Istanbul expected to arrive in Mogadishu at 8:40 am, according to the Swiss human rights group Augenauf.

The man sustained severe injuries approximately two weeks prior to the scheduled deportation, allegedly after being attacked by two other residents at an underground asylum accommodation facility provided by Swiss authorities. His injuries include multiple skull fractures, a traumatic brain injury, and damage to his eyes. He underwent initial surgery at Zurich University Hospital. Two additional operations, which were scheduled for the week of September 7, were reportedly prevented by Swiss authorities.

His lawyer has formally requested a suspension of the deportation, citing the man's critical medical condition. Further complicating the situation, Augenauf reported that Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency issued a provisional travel document for the man despite his injuries. The human rights group also raised concerns that the photograph on this document did not accurately represent the individual in question. Somali authorities have not yet provided a comment on these specific allegations.

This particular case has intensified existing concerns regarding the treatment of Somali nationals during forced deportations and the nature of Switzerland's collaboration with Somali authorities on migrant returns. Augenauf has previously highlighted complaints from two other Somali nationals who alleged excessive force was used against them during their deportation from Switzerland. Both individuals have since filed criminal complaints in Switzerland, accusing officials of mistreatment.

Human rights organizations and Swiss lawyers have voiced accusations that authorities are committing serious violations of both Swiss and international law in the course of certain forced deportations. Augenauf has directly communicated its concerns to various Swiss authorities, including the commander of the Zurich cantonal police and Switzerland's National Commission for the Prevention of Torture, regarding these practices.

The current dispute unfolds amidst a period of increasing cooperation between Switzerland and Somalia on matters of migration and the repatriation of Somali nationals. Switzerland actively provides financial and technical assistance to Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency, which includes supplying computers and scanners, as well as offering training opportunities for the agency's personnel.

Concurrently, Switzerland implemented stricter visa regulations for citizens of Somalia and Guinea in August. This measure was explicitly framed as an effort to enhance cooperation on the readmission of individuals who are required to leave Swiss territory. Augenauf has characterized this approach as a "carrot and stick" strategy.

The human rights group has urged Somali authorities to decline the readmission of individuals who are seriously ill or injured, as well as those who claim to have experienced mistreatment during the deportation process. Furthermore, Augenauf has called upon Somali authorities to insist that Switzerland fully uphold the human rights of all Somali nationals facing removal.

This case highlights potential human rights violations and challenges to international law during forced deportations, particularly concerning individuals with severe medical conditions. Lawyers representing asylum seekers or migrants, especially those from Somalia in European jurisdictions, should note the arguments made by human rights groups and the potential for legal challenges against readmission agreements that may disregard medical needs.

Source: Original reporting via Shabelle