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.
OFFICIAL DATA
| Year | Hate crimes recorded by police | Prosecuted | Sentenced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 2014 Data
-
Figures consist predominantly of crimes of incitement to hatred and crimes involving discrimination. Only hate crimes committed in public are included in the number presented here.
Incidents reported by civil society, international organizations and the Holy See
INTERNATIONAL REPORTS
Racist and xenophobic hate crime, Anti-LGBTI hate crime
In its fifth report on Switzerland, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) recommended that the Swiss authorities improve their system for recording and monitoring violent incidents in order to obtain more reliable statistics on the racist, homophobic or transphobic motivations of offences.
Racist and xenophobic hate crime
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) recommended the incorporation of a criminal code provision ensuring that racist motivation constitute an aggravating circumstance allowing for more severe punishment.
KEY OBSERVATION
ODIHR observes that Switzerland has not reported on hate crimes separately from cases of hate speech and/or discrimination.