As a democratic state, Switzerland guarantees basic rights to each individual. No-one may be discriminated against on the basis of his origins, race, gender, age, language, social position, way of life, religious, philosphical or political conviction, nor on account of any physical or mental handicap. Indeed this is anchored in the Federal Constitution.

In fact the Swiss State has set up advisory centres which concern themselves with the equality between men and women (www.ebg.admin.ch), the equality of handicapped people (www.edi.admin.ch/edi/de/home/fachstellen/ebgb.html - German/French/Italian), as well as fighting racism (www.edi.admin.ch/frb/ - German/French/Italian).

Racial Discrimination
Racism or racial discrimination is the term used when a person is treated in a different way on account of his appearance or (assumed) origin.

The Swiss penal norm against racial discrimination applies when people are discriminated against in public on account of the colour of their skin, ethnicity or religion.This also includes the refusal to provide services intended for everyone.

The central place in Switzerland to whom to refer on matters pertaining to racial discrimination is the Federal Commission against Racism (http://www.ekr.admin.ch/home/d112.html  - German/French/Italian).

The State Advisory Centre relating to matters of Racism (www.edi.admin.ch/frb/ - German/French/Italian) initiates, promotes and co-ordinates activities aimed at preventing and fighting racial discrimination.

On a cantonal level, the Integration Advisory Centre (www.zg.ch/integration - German) is the place to go to for advice on matters pertaining to the prevention of (racial) discrimination.

Please download the Brochure Welcome to Switzerland (admin.ch) in your language.