Switzerland

Switzerland regularly reports hate crime data to ODIHR. Switzerland's Criminal Code does not contain hate crime provisions, although hate crimes are prosecuted under discrimination and hate speech provisions. As such, the data reported to ODIHR include cases of incitement to hatred and discrimination. Information on hate crimes is collected by the Federal Commission against Racism and the Statistical Office and published. The Federal Commission against Racism partners with the association 'humanrights.ch' in the Counselling Network for Victims of Racism, which continuously publishes yearly analytical reports.

SELECT YEAR

OFFICIAL DATA

Year	Hate crimes recorded by police	Prosecuted	Sentenced
2020	257	Not available	52
2019	228	Not available	49
2018	159	-	56
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.

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).