Federal Commission against Racism

The FCR is an independent extra-parliamentary commission established by the Federal Council in 1995. Its mandate is to promote mutual understanding between people of different race, colour, ethnicity, nationality and religion. It is also charged with combating all forms of direct and indirect racial discrimination.

The FCR’s activities and focal points

The FCR is a key player in the struggle against racial discrimination in Switzerland and an intermediary between state authorities and civil society in matters of racism. It initiates and supports various awareness raising projects as well as prevention measures and campaigns. The FCR’s main focus for 2020 to 2023 is on combating hate speech and racial discrimination on the internet and in the social media. Further emphasis over this period is on preventive measures in the worlds of school, media and politics.

The FCR as point of contact

The FCR analyses racial discrimination from a scientific and an ethical perspective. Based on its analyses, research and monitoring, it provides the Federal Council and the Federal departments with expert opinions and reports on racism-related issues for their debates and rounds of consultations. It also serves as a point of contact for the media and replies to questions from organisations and private individuals who are confronted with instances of racial discrimination.

Composition of the FCR and SIG presence

The commission consists of 15 proven experts in matters of racism, carefully balanced by interest group, gender, language, region and age group. Members serve for a four-year period of office and may be re-appointed. Overall membership is limited to 12 years. The SIG’s General Secretary Jonathan Kreutner represents Switzerland’s Jewish communities in this important and influential extra-parliamentary body.