In 2024, 1211 cases of racial discrimination were identified in Switzerland, 335 more than a year earlier, according to the annual report of racism council centers published on Sunday. This is an increase of almost 40%. Most of the incidents took place at school.
For several years, the number of cases recorded has been constantly increasing. In 2024, this increase reached almost 40%, “a particularly significant figure”, the Federal Commission against racism (CFR) and Humanrights, an NGO who defends human rights in Switzerland in a statement.
Several factors explain this evolution: on the one hand, there are certain geopolitical events and the growing polarization of public discourse. On the other hand, the best visibility of the consulting centers leads the persons concerned to solicit more frequent support in the event of racial discrimination.
Improve prevention at school
As in 2023, the cases identified most often occurred in the field of education (19%), in particular in compulsory school.
-The fact that this phenomenon affects children and young people at school clearly shows that the work of information must be reinforced with students, but also regularly train the teaching staff and provide it with means of prevention and intervention. The school must be a safe place for everyone, according to the CFR and Humanrights.
In 2024, 35% of the reports concerned cases of xenophobia and 30% of cases of anti-black racism. These two reasons for discrimination, which is at the origin of 426 and 368 incidents, thus remain predominant.
Strong increase in anti-Muslim racism
Xenophobia has mainly raged at the workplace, and anti-black racism at school. Although in number of cases, the reason for discrimination that has progressed the most is anti -Muslim racism, observed in 17% of cases (209 incidents). As for anti -Semitism, he did not weaken (66 incidents).
Racism causes great suffering in people who are victims and may, in some cases, have serious repercussions on their health, recalls the press release. “It also generates a loss of confidence in institutions and towards others. Racism must be fought. Racist incidents must be taken with the greatest seriousness. Their analysis must allow institutions to implement appropriate measures, in all areas of society. ”
