Demonstrations: the rules

Demonstrations: the rules

"I'm a member of an environmental association. To get our message across to the public, I'd like to suggest to our committee that we organise a march. But I'm wondering what kind of authorisation you need to demonstrate in the streets of Geneva. Can you tell me what I need to know?

Jacques, Geneva

Anyone wishing to organise a political demonstration or a gathering of people on the public highway must first request authorisation from the Department of Institutions, pursuant to art. 11B of the Regulations on public peace and the exercise of public freedoms.

Anyone who organises a parade without such authorisation is liable to a fine.

In order to obtain this authorisation, the request must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance in the form of an explanatory letter to be sent to the Cantonal Department of Institutions and, where applicable, to the Department of the Urban Environment and Security of the City of Geneva.

For events of a festive nature, occupation of the public domain must also be authorised by the public authority that manages it. Permission must be obtained from the Department of Commerce for the organisation of a public entertainment event (such as a ball or concert), as well as for a tombola, the showing of films or the running of a refreshment stall. A standard form must be completed and sent to the Trade Department at least 30 days before the event; it can be downloaded from the Department of the Economy and Health website: etat.geneve.ch/des/site/economie/service-du-commerce

It should also be noted that according to art. 23 of the law on advertising procedures, posting outside the designated and authorised areas is strictly prohibited. Organisers of events must therefore take the necessary steps to prevent unauthorised posting.