The Federal Council is concerned: one in six people experiences racist discrimination

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In 2022, 17 percent of the population said they had experienced racial discrimination in the past five years. This is evident from the latest monitoring by the Office for Combating Racism, which was presented to the media on Thursday.

Various data sources have been evaluated for this purpose. The department has been collecting and analyzing various statistics since 2010. The share of people who have experienced racial discrimination has increased across all population groups since 2016.

Advice centers are being contacted more and more often

It is estimated that around 1.2 million people in Switzerland have experienced racist discrimination in recent years. But very few cases were reported or otherwise reported. In 2020, the survey recorded the highest level of racial discrimination since measurements began in 2010, at 19 percent.

The advice centers have also noticed a continuous increase in the number of cases in recent years. “The discrepancy still reflects a large number of unreported cases,” the accompanying analysis says.

Young people are particularly affected

According to the Federal Statistical Office, people without a migrant background experienced approximately three times less racist discrimination than people with a migrant background.

According to their own statements, young people are affected much more often than older people. By 2022, 15 to 24 year olds will make up a third of those who say they have been victims of racial discrimination. This age group also saw the largest increase over time: from 19 percent in 2016, this number will almost double in 2022.

A large proportion of the reported incidents involve so-called verbal racism. Those affected reported insults, threats or derogatory gestures. Other cases concern discriminatory disadvantages or degrading treatment. But the report also has good news: physical attacks have decreased in recent years.

Federal Council wants action plan

The Federal Council wants to take action now. He would like to develop a strategy and action plan against racism and anti-Semitism. During his meeting on Wednesday, he spoke in favor of a corresponding initiative.

Accordingly, the federal government, cantons and municipalities must be held accountable for meeting their responsibilities. It should also be examined whether an additional representative for the fight against racism and anti-Semitism should be appointed.

The background to the violation by the State Political Committee of the National Council is the increase in anti-Semitic incidents since the Hamas attacks in Israel and the war in the Middle East. The National Council will then discuss the request. (she)

Source:Blick