Rise in racism and islamophobia in Switzerland
Recently published official statistics show that Switzerland experienced a notable surge in racist and xenophobic incidents in 2024, with attacks against Muslims and people of Arab descent sharply increasing.
The Swiss Federal Commission against Racism (EKR) recorded over 1,200 incidents last year, including hate speech, physical assaults, threats, and other forms of discriminatory behavior based on race and religious affiliation. This figure represents an approximately 40% increase compared to 2023.
In Switzerland, a country with nearly 9 million people, about 40% of whom have a migration background, such incidents have been on the rise in recent years. However, the EKR, in a joint statement with a human rights NGO, described the increase in 2024 incidents as particularly significant.
Islamophobia and discrimination
The report identified several factors contributing to this escalation, including heightened geopolitical tensions, increased polarization in public discourse, and a greater willingness among individuals to report incidents.
Xenophobic and anti-Black discrimination accounted for the majority of reported cases (65% of the total). However, discrimination against Muslims and people of Arab descent saw the largest increase, with over 350 cases reported in 2024.
Verbal and physical attacks
According to the report, approximately 80 cases of discrimination against individuals of Asian descent were recorded in 2024. Most incidents involved verbal attacks, but around 100 cases included racially motivated physical violence.
Incidents involving hate speech showed the most significant increase, with 149 reported cases. The report also noted over 400 instances of derogatory remarks, including approximately 300 insults and over 100 threats.
About 20% of all recorded incidents occurred in educational settings, primarily in primary and secondary schools, raising concerns about the spread of discriminatory behavior among younger populations.
Muslims in Europe experience rising racism
A study conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in October 2024 found that Muslims across Europe are facing a worrying increase in racism, partly driven by dehumanizing anti-Muslim rhetoric.
The Vienna-based agency revealed that data from human rights organizations and national authorities indicate a steady rise in anti-Muslim crimes in recent years.
Sirpa Rautio, Director of the FRA, stated, “We are witnessing a worrying rise in racism and discrimination against Muslims in Europe.” She added, “This situation is exacerbated by the dehumanizing anti-Muslim rhetoric we see across the continent.”
The FRA found that 47% of Muslims surveyed in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden experienced racism in the past five years. This marks a significant increase compared to 39% in 2016.