Act on the Integration of Migrants and the Prevention of Racism (LInt) - Objective (INTG)

1. The purpose of this law is

a) to promote the integration of migrants;

b) to require migrants to make their own contribution to their integration;

c) to enhance the participation of migrants in economic, social, cultural, and political life;

d) to provide migrants with the same opportunities as the native population;

e) to enable migrants to utilize their individual resources and develop their abilities;

f) to contribute to mutual openness, respect, and esteem between the native population and migrants;

g) to support the prevention of racism and the fight against all forms of racial discrimination (racism prevention).

1. Integration is a cross-sectional task that is carried out by cantonal and municipal authorities in conjunction with social partners, private organizations and institutions, as well as private individuals.

2. It promotes peaceful coexistence and equal opportunities between the native population and foreigners who are residing long-term and lawfully.

3. It is based on reciprocity, with rights and obligations founded on the principles of the rule of law and constitutional values for both the native and foreign resident populations.

4. It is an ongoing process that begins upon arrival in Switzerland and strives for the highest possible degree of integration for migrants; they must engage with local living conditions within their capabilities, acquire sufficient knowledge of one of the official languages of the canton, and participate in social and cultural life; furthermore, they must either engage in economic activities or pursue education.

1. Racism Prevention aims to raise awareness among the population, particularly children and adolescents, about the issue of racism.

1. The Council of State defines the objectives and priorities of the cantonal integration and anti-racism prevention policy.

1. The departments of the State Council have the task of promoting integration and racism prevention within their respective areas of responsibility. For this purpose, they cooperate with the bodies that are legally entrusted with the implementation and coordination of cantonal policy in these areas.

1. The promotion and coordination tasks assigned to the state by law in the field of integration and racism prevention are carried out by the competent directorate; to this end, it has at its disposal the Specialist Office for the Integration of Migrants and Racism Prevention.

2. For refugees and temporarily admitted persons, the promotion and coordination of integration fall under the responsibility of the directorate in charge of the reception and care of asylum seekers and refugees.

1. Municipalities actively participate in the implementation of integration and racism prevention policy at the local level. To this end, they collaborate with the Agency for the Integration of Migrants and for Racism Prevention.

2. They ensure, among other things, that migrants receive adequate information about living conditions in the municipality and, in particular, about their rights and obligations. Additionally, they inform the general population about the specific situation of migrants.

3. Each municipality appoints, as necessary and proportionate, a contact person for all matters related to integration and racism prevention.

1. The Office for the Integration of Migrants and for Racism Prevention (the Office) is administratively assigned to the Directorate responsible for promoting and coordinating integration and racism prevention. It ensures the implementation of cantonal policy in the areas of integration and racism prevention and has, among other powers, the following

a) It promotes and coordinates projects for integration and racism prevention in the canton.

b) It serves as a contact point for cantonal and municipal authorities and public and private associations and institutions in all matters related to integration and racism prevention.

c) It serves as a contact point for federal authorities responsible for integration and racism prevention.

d) It actively collaborates with representatives of the affected population groups and religious communities.

e) It exercises the other powers assigned to it by law.

1. The Commission for the Integration of Migrants and Against Racism is an advisory body of the State Council. It participates in the implementation of the cantonal integration policy.

2. The State Council regulates the composition and powers of this Commission.

1. The Commission for the Educational Care and Integration of Children of Migrants is an advisory body of the State Council. It participates in promoting the educational integration of children of migrants.

2. The State Council regulates the composition and powers of this Commission.

1. The Office and the Commission for the Integration of Migrants and against Racism are funded through the state budget.

1. The state and the municipalities may subsidize projects in the areas of integration or racism prevention that are implemented by private or public partners.

2. The directorate responsible for integration and racism prevention shall decide, after consulting the specialist office, on the granting of cantonal subsidies.

3. The specialist office manages the federal subsidies granted for projects in the areas of integration and racism prevention.

4. The powers of the directorate responsible for the reception and care of asylum seekers and refugees remain reserved.

1. The State Council specifies the powers and duties of the specialized office in the implementing ordinance.

2. It regulates by means of regulation the procedures and modalities for granting subsidies for projects in the areas of integration or racism prevention.

1. The State Council determines the entry into force of this law.

2. This law is subject to the legislative referendum. It is not subject to the financial referendum.