Majority of population see racism as key social problem

Almost 60% of the Swiss population consider racism an important social problem, a poll by the Federal Statistical Office has found.

The figure of 59% is however, 7% down on 2016, the year of the last survey. In all, 55% of those asked rated the integration of migrants into society as working well.

These were some of the results of a survey on diversity and coexistence in Switzerland for 2018, which was published on Thursday. It aims to present a picture of the issues raised by the coexistence of different groups currently living in Switzerland.

More of the results can be viewed here.

Victims

In 2018, one quarter of Switzerland’s population said that they had been a victim of discrimination or violence during the past five years due to their affiliation to a group. Among the victims, most said that their nationality was the main reason.

The world of work, both in terms of access to the labour market and in day-to-day life, is where discrimination most frequently occurs. For example, 50% said they had experienced discrimination at work or when looking for work.

Diverse country

The statistical office said in the introduction to its report that diversity was a feature of life in Switzerland.  “The population of Switzerland comprises almost 200 different nationalities. Among Swiss passport holders, one person out of eight was born abroad and therefore has experience of migration.”

It said the situation was enriching but could also create challenges. This was the context against which the survey was carried out.