BERN (EJP)---The number of racist incidents reported in Switzerland was up 30 per cent in 2007 compared with 2006, two organizations reported this week.
The Bern-based Foundation Against Racism and Anti-Semitism (GRA) and the Society for Minorities in Switzerland (GMS) said there were 113 recorded cases of racism against 87 one year before.
Most incidents, according to the groups, are directed against Muslims and black people.
They said electoral campaigning “with racist tone” by the rightwing Swiss People’s Party is party to blame for the rise in incidents.
The foundation also reported that the number of anti-Semitic attacks remains "at a high level" "One must not ignore the latent anti-Semitism of part of the population, it says.
The report calls for more protection for the victims of racist acts. “But healing is not enough, prevention is also needed,” it says, stressing the need for more means to increase awareness of this problem.
http://www.ejpress.org/article/news/western_europe/27715
Tags: Switzerland Jewish Question
