Combating racism
The federal government is committed to combating racism and racial discrimination and ensuring equal treatment of all people regardless of their ethnic or national origin, appearance or religious affiliation.
Discrimination is illegal
In Switzerland, various legal provisions protect individuals from racial discrimination. The Federal Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of origin, ‘race’, gender, age, language, social status, lifestyle, religious, philosophical or political beliefs, or due to a physical, mental or psychological disability (Art. 8 para. 2 Federal Constitution). In addition, the criminal provision against discrimination and incitement to hatred (Art. 261bis Swiss Criminal Code) punishes actions that explicitly or implicitly deny people equal rights in public on the grounds of their “‘race’, ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation. Furthermore, it is a criminal offence to refuse goods or services intended for the general public on the grounds of racial discrimination.
Federal Commission against Racism (FCR)
To implement the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), the Federal Council established the Federal Commission against Racism (FCR). It analyses racial discrimination in Switzerland, combats all forms of direct or indirect racial discrimination, and carries out public awareness and prevention work. The FCR also advises government agencies, authorities and private individuals. The Secretariat of the FCR is part of the General Secretariat of the FDHA.
Federal Commision against Racism (FCR)
Service for Combating Racism (SCRA)
The Service for Combating Racism (SCRA) is also part of the General Secretariat. The SCRA is responsible for promoting, coordinating and integrating measures to combat racism and racial discrimination at the federal, cantonal and communal levels. It supports authorities and institutions, provides financial assistance for projects against racism, and is responsible for national and international reporting.