Record number of reported discrimination incidents in Switzerland
The number of incidents reported in schools and training centres also increased
Keystone
The number of reported cases of discrimination based on ethnicity, colour and religion has increased by half in 2017 compared to the year before. Better awareness and access to counselling are believed to be behind the rise.
The 27 Counselling Centres for Victims of Racism recorded 301 incidents of discrimination last year compared to 199 in 2016, according to information published in the Le Matin Dimanche, SonntagsBlick and SonntagsZeitung papers.
The authors of the report, which will be released on Monday by humanrights.ch and the Federal Commission against Racism, say that the figures do not mean that discrimination had increased in Swiss society. They attributed the rise to more awareness among those concerned or better access to counselling centres.
The authors also cautioned that there is a level of underreporting as these centres do not record all cases of discrimination and, in many cases, victims do not report it themselves.
Xenophobia, in general, was the most frequently reported ground of discrimination (112 cases, compared to 94 in 2016). This was followed by racism (95 cases versus 70), hostility towards Muslims (54 cases versus 31) and anti-Arab prejudice (36 cases versus 17).
In terms of actions, exclusion was the one most often cited (in 256 cases), along with mainly unequal treatment (in 36% of cases) and denigration (21%). Insults accounted for 31% of cases and acts of violence were reported in 8% of cases.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Wealth is not all: how gentrification in Zurich has led to housing shortage
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
Swiss women have come a long way, but still face discrimination
This content was published on
Switzerland has been swept up in the grassroots ‘#MeToo’ movement and the growing dissatisfaction among women with the status quo.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.