Federal Commission on Migration (FCM) – a platform of participation

Federal Commission on Migration (FCM) – a platform of participation
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Summary:

The Federal Commission on Migration FCM is an advisory commission of the federal council. It aims to encourage harmonious relations between the Swiss population and migrants living in Switzerland. The FCM is involved in ongoing political debates, and sets its own thematic accents. It works out specific programmes to promote integration, elaborates publications and cooperates with partners on a regional, national and international level.

The FCM is made up of 30 members who represent a wide range of institutions and interests. Represented are members from the unions as well as the federation of employers, migrant associations, churches, local integration delegates, migrant services and many more who provide expertise in different migration-related thematic fields. On the one hand these experts offer their know-how to the federal administration and the government. On the other hand, they get the opportunity to represent their own interests. At least half of the members have experienced migration themselves.

As an extra parliamentary commission, the FCM has an important role to play in the democratic process ensuring the dialogue various stakeholders. It assures that the opinions of different interest groups are represented and can be expressed. The membership in the commission gives them the possibility to wield influence on the work of the government and the federal administration. Hence, the FCM is an important actor in the democratic process.

What is the added value of the FCM?

Firstly, the FCM can propose visionary ideas and policy strategies. As an interface between authorities and civil society the FCM is, secondly, an important instrument of democracy and political participation. And thirdly, it can promote innovation through supporting projects that go beyond current policies (e.g. Programme «Citoyenneté: mitreden, mitgestalten, mitentscheiden»).

Thus, the FCM can be seen as a model of good governance in the field of migration, diversity and harmonious cohabitation.

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GFMD Source:

GFMD 2016 RT 2.1 "Migration, diversity and harmonious societies"

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Civil society, NGO’s and local administrations