Switzerland: Conference-debate on immigrant detention centres

Lausanne 5-03-06

On Sunday 5th March 2006, a conference-debate, organized by the OSL, was held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the Italian immigrant detention centres and the struggle against expulsions.

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Conference-debate on immigrant detention centres

Lausanne 5-03-06

On Sunday 5th March 2006, a conference-debate was held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the Italian CPTs (immigrant detention centres) and the struggle against expulsions. The conference, which saw the participation of about 30 people, was organized by the Organisation Socialiste Libertaire, and featured the contributions of two Italian comrades from Pordenone, Lino Roveredo and Stefano Raspa, both involved in the struggles against the CPTs.

Lino and Stefano provided an outline of Italian legislation regarding the issue of migration and of the struggles which have been carried on in Italy against the opening of the CPT in Gradisca d'Isonzo, struggles which have seen an important influence from Italian anarchists.

The initiative was prompted by the December institutional summit on immigration in Switzerland, in an attempt to create a closer network of struggles and an exchange of experiences between two countries where the situation seems so different but is basically the same. A way to breathe life and internationalism into the local struggles of the "sans papiers", which have been an important element of the struggles in Switzerland for decades.

In conjunction with the initiative, the OSL produced a pamphlet entitled "Italy: Immigration in a country of emigrants", which is due to be followed in the coming months by another pamphlet which will examine all the various aspects of European immigration.

This occasion enabled us to get to know the situation in Italy better, not only here in Switzerland, but also in France, thanks to the presence of a French comrade working for a French radio channel.

We hope to be able once again to invite our comrades from the FdCA and other organizations and indeed for our OSL comrades to visit Italy for other similar occasions.

Z.