1 State - People - Authorities - 13 Citizenship - Residence - Stay - 132 Establishment and Stay

[2] 1 This law aims to promote social cohesion, equal dignity, and the well-being of every person living in the canton of Neuchâtel, particularly through harmonious relationships and mutual understanding between Swiss and foreign populations or those with a migration background.

2. It encourages the research and implementation of solutions for intercultural integration, the full participation of people with a migration background in society, and more generally, it seeks to promote equality of rights and duties as well as non-discrimination for everyone within the limits of the Constitution and the law.

[3] 1 The State Council sets the guidelines for the cantonal policy concerning migration, integration, and multicultural cohesion.

2. For the harmonization and coordination of cantonal activities, it may establish, on a temporary or permanent basis, an interdepartmental or inter-service group under the authority of the head of the department designated pursuant to paragraph 3.

3. It designates the competent department for the implementation of this law.

[4] Within the limits set by federal and cantonal legislation, cantonal and communal authorities, in the exercise of the tasks assigned to them, collaborate to promote the integration of foreign individuals or those stemming from migration in accordance with this law.

[5] A Community for Multicultural Integration and Cohesion (hereinafter: the Community), a Delegate for Foreigners (hereinafter: the Delegate), and the Multicultural Cohesion Service (hereinafter: the Service) are assigned the tasks enumerated in Articles 5 to 7.

[6] 1. The members of the community are appointed by the Council of State and represent public authorities, interested private institutions, social partners, experts, and foreign communities.

2. The community is neutral in political and religious matters.

3. It has an advisory status. However, it is authorized to take initiatives within the scope of the allocated budget.

[7] 1 The delegate serves as a liaison between the authorities and foreign or immigrant communities and, in general, proposes and coordinates any action contributing to integration within the meaning of this law.

2. The service is specifically responsible for the secretariat and coordination of the community's activities.

3. The delegate is appointed by the Council of State.

[8] 1 The community, the delegate, and the service may act, in particular, in the following areas

a) seek and implement means for integrating foreign populations or those from migration backgrounds and prevent discrimination that could hinder multicultural cohesion;

b) promote and ensure reciprocal information between Swiss, foreign, or migrant-background individuals;

c) support migrant associations and integration or anti-racism projects that have effects in the canton of Neuchâtel, in the form of financial assistance, ad hoc support, and advice;

d) train and raise awareness among leaders and staff of public administrations on the issues of multicultural cohesion;

e) ensure good mutual understanding between non-native speakers and public institutions, particularly by promoting the learning of the French language, multilingualism, and, if necessary, the use of interpreters and translators;

f) participate in research and studies for a better understanding of migration phenomena and means to be implemented to achieve the objectives of this law;

g) ensure appropriate consideration of the specificities of female migrations, particularly by preventing violence and violations of the fundamental rights of women and children.

2. The service is responsible for welcoming, informing, and supporting individuals wishing to file a criminal complaint against public officeholders for acts related to discrimination, racism, or violence.

The Council of State sets the rules regarding the organization and operation of the community and establishes a specification for the delegate.

The financial resources of the community and the delegate are determined by the annual budget.

The community and the delegate shall submit a detailed report of their studies, projects, and activities to the Council of State, for its attention and that of the Grand Council, which shall establish the policy in the matter, at least once per legislative term, in addition to the annual report of the relevant department.

1. This law is subject to an optional referendum.

2. The Council of State shall ensure, if necessary, its promulgation and execution.

3. It shall determine the date of its entry into force.

Law promulgated by the Council of State on October 23, 1996.

The entry into force is set with effect from January 1, 1997.