Strasbourg, 28/03/2012 – “Manifestations of racism and xenophobia appear to be on the rise in Switzerland. Disturbing political campaigns with aggressive, insulting slogans against foreigners are tendencies of great concern,” stated Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, releasing a letter addressed to Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

“While recognising the value and importance of an open political debate, it has to be made clear that freedom of expression is not absolute: hate speech violating the rights of others is unacceptable. The Swiss criminal law needs to be overhauled in order to put an end to impunity for xenophobic and racist public discourse.”

Commissioner Hammarberg added that “to fully meet European and international human rights standards, Switzerland needs to strengthen its anti-discrimination legislation”. A comprehensive law against discrimination would help overcome the persisting deficiencies, not only when it comes to the rights of non-nationals but also for the protection and promotion of gender equality, the rights of disabled persons and of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. (more...)

Switzerland and the Council of Europe