Switzerland

Switzerland regularly reports hate crime data to ODIHR. Switzerland's Criminal Code contains no hate crime provision (see the link to related legislation, below) and hate crimes are addressed under anti-discrimination criminal provisions. The Federal Commission against Racism partners with the association 'humanrights.ch' in the Counselling Network for Victims of Racism, which publishes annual analytical reports on hate crime.

SELECT YEAR

Download the 2009 hate crime report for Switzerland

OFFICIAL DATA REPORTED BY STATES

Year	Hate crimes recorded by police	Prosecuted	Sentenced
2023	401	Not available	88
2022	346	Not available	84
2021	312	Not available	86
2020	257	Not available	58
2019	228	Not available	53
2018	159	-	45
2017	179	Not available	50
2016	164	-	50
2015	181	57	52
2014	161	14	36
2013	161	23	21
2012	181	15	15
2011	182	14	6
2010	204	33	24
2009	230	36	30

About 2009 Data

Figures only include crimes of incitement to hatred and crimes involving discrimination.

Hate crime recorded by police

KEY OBSERVATION

No information is available.

Incidents reported by civil society, international organizations and the Holy See

Reports

Anti-Semitic hate crime

The Foundation Against Racism and Antisemitism reported five cases of vandalism and four cases of verbal abuse. The Intercommunity Coordination against Anti-Semitism and Defamation reported 153 incidents, of which four were labelled as violent and 22 as serious. The Stephen Roth Institute reported seven violent incidents.

Anti-Muslim hate crime

The Turkish Community in Switzerland reported six incidents, including three assaults and three cases of the desecration of mosques.

Developments

Anti-Muslim hate crime

Several NGOs, including the Zurich Association of Muslim Organisations, reported a perceived increase in hostility towards Muslims associated with the referendum on the question of whether to ban the construction of minarets. The mosque in Geneva was vandalized prior to the vote.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTS

Anti-Muslim hate crime

The referendum in Switzerland on the question of whether to ban the construction of minarets was regarded as a particularly significant event touching on the portrayal of Muslims in Europe. Several organizations expressed concerns that the ban has the potential to create tensions and generate a climate of intolerance against Muslims, including the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

Anti-Semitic hate crime

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) expressed concern about anti-Semitism.