Enhancing the Cooperation of all State levels – Municipal, Cantonal, National – in National Refugee Policy Making to Strengthen the Tripartite Asylum System in Switzerland

Zürich, Switzerland

Mayor

Corine Mauch

Start of Project

12/01/2023

End of Project

Open-ended

Overview

Initiated by the City of Zürich, in collaboration with the Swiss Government, and supported by Swiss cities, the Swiss Association of Cities, the Swiss Association of Municipalities, and cantonal representations, this pledge commits to enhancing cooperation among all levels of government in Swiss refugee policy. The asylum system in Switzerland is a tripartite responsibility of the three state levels (national, cantonal, and municipal), with a system of delegated responsibilities. Recognising the mutual benefits that systematic coordination brings to all levels in steering the asylum system, this pledge intends to increase predictability, strengthen joint planning, improve steering of policies and identify solutions by: 

• Taking stock of existing coordination and cooperation mechanisms in the Swiss asylum system, which include the national government and the cantons, and that could benefit from the more direct involvement of municipalities, especially cities, 

• Reviewing successful practices of tripartite cooperation and direct engagement between the national and municipal levels, 

• Identifying opportunities for stronger recognition and involvement of municipalities, particularly cities, in national refugee policymaking, 

• Exploring an institutionalised format for regular tripartite interaction that enables exchange on common concerns on a strategic and operational level, joint solution finding and exploration of new commitments by cities.

Reported Impact [as of November 2025]

Key progress includes the establishment of a national “Asylum Committee” in 2024, a tripartite body co-led by the federal and cantonal levels to develop a new Swiss asylum strategy by 2025, marking a milestone in inclusive governance. The pledge helped create momentum and amplified the long-standing concern and demand of Swiss cities for more effective involvement in policymaking. Challenges remain in sustaining political ownership and engagement across all partners, particularly following leadership changes at the federal level.

Call to Local Action - Priority Objectives

Improving migration governance and forced displacement protection