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 2012 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 Intercommunity Coordination against Anti-Semitism and Defamation (CICAD) reported one physical assault; five threats, including one also involving property damage to a Jewish woman’s house, one against a student, and one involving a knife; and 11 cases of graffiti including on a car, on a synagogue, on a Jewish library and on CICAD’s offices. Swiss authorities reported that they had no information about these cases.

The Foundation against Racism and Anti-Semitism reported a case of desecration to a Holocaust memorial and graffiti in close proximity to a Jewish library and shop, as well as an arson attack on a scooter.

Disability hate crime

The Foundation against Racism and Anti-Semitism reported a physical assault against a male wheelchair user causing him to fall out of his chair and causing serious injury.

Anti-LGBTI hate crime

Pink Cross reported a physical assault against a lesbian woman by a group resulting in serious injury.

Hate crime against Christians and members of other religions

The Holy See reported an arson attack against a church. Swiss authorities informed ODIHR that this case was currently pending at the youth prosecutor’s office. Qualification of the case under article 261 of the Swiss Criminal Code (Attack on the freedom of faith and the freedom to worship), in addition to its qualification as a criminal damage case, was being considered.

Racist and xenophobic hate crime

The Foundation against Racism and Anti-Semitism reported one case of property damage to a home for asylum seekers with bottles, paint bombs and graffiti; two physical assaults by a group, one against a Brazilian woman and the other against a male wheelchair user, both causing serious injury.

Anti-Roma hate crime

The Foundation against Racism and Anti-Semitism reported a case of damage to property by firing shots against a caravan and a car owned by a Roma family.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTS

Anti-Semitic hate crime

The UN Human Rights Council, in its Universal Periodic Review, encouraged Switzerland to continue to prevent and combat racist and anti-Semitic actions.