Switzerland saw a sharp rise in racist and xenophobic incidents in 2024, with 1,211 cases reported -- a 40 percent increase from the previous year. Attacks on Muslims and Arabs accounted for the most significant rise, according to official data.
Switzerland recorded a significant spike in racist and xenophobic incidents in 2024, with attacks targeting Muslims and Arabs seeing the steepest increase, according to official figures published on Sunday (April 27).
Data released by the Federal Commission against Racism (EKR), in collaboration with the Swiss NGO humanrights.ch - Menschenrechte Schweiz, revealed that 1,211 incidents of hate speech, physical assault, threats, and other forms of discriminatory behaviour were reported in 2024. This marks a nearly 40 percent rise compared to 2023.
Attacks on Muslims and Arabs see biggest increase
The incidents predominantly targeted individuals based on race or religious affiliation. Discrimination against Black people and xenophobic abuse were the most frequently reported, accounting for 65 percent of all cases.
While Switzerland -- a country of nearly nine million people, around 40 percent of whom have a migration background -- has seen a gradual rise in such incidents over recent years, EKR described the 2024 increase as "particularly significant."
The report attributes the surge to several factors, including increased geopolitical tensions, rising polarization in public discourse, and a growing willingness among victims and witnesses to report discrimination.
Read more: Attacks against migrants, asylum seekers and refugees show 'marked increase'
Attacks against Muslims and Arabs saw the most significant rise, with over 350 cases reported. Anti-Asian discrimination was cited in nearly 80 incidents, while 66 cases involved antisemitism.
Verbal abuse made up the bulk of reported cases, though approximately 100 incidents involved racially motivated physical violence. Hate speech reports climbed sharply, with 149 cases documented -- the largest increase among the categories tracked.
Additionally, authorities recorded over 400 instances of disparaging remarks, nearly 300 cases of insults, and more than 100 threats.
Schools also emerged as a notable setting vulnerable to discrimination, with nearly one in five cases occurring in educational institutions, particularly at the primary and secondary levels.
Switzerland sees drop in asylum applications
In March 2025, Switzerland recorded 1,829 asylum applications -- a 23 percent decrease compared to the same month in 2024, according to figures from Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration.
Swiss authorities therefore decided to close nine of the 36 temporary federal asylum centers by March 2025.
With AFP