Switzerland adopts charter to prevent radicalisation

Switzerland’s Security Network and partner organisations have adopted a charter to combat radicalisation and extremism, SRF reported on Friday. Federal Justice Minister Beat Jans and other representatives presented the charter in Bern, calling for joint efforts by the federal government, cantons, municipalities and civil society to prevent radicalisation.

The charter sets out three principles: strengthening social cohesion, promoting critical thinking and taking joint action that reflects different life experiences.

The Security Network also plans to expand online counselling services to better support people in situations of risk. The initiative is aimed at people who work with young people, including parents, teachers, coaches, social workers, clubs and other institutions.

The Federal Department of Justice and Police said the number of young people becoming radicalised in Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe had risen since 2023. Not all cases involved Islamism. Young men had also become radicalised within the Incel movement, which incited hatred of women, while calls for violence were also found in far-right and far-left extremist circles.

Jans said radicalisation often took place online, meaning many warning signs went unnoticed. Zurich Justice Director Jacqueline Fehr said the home was more often the scene of such behaviour than the street, referring to members of the so-called manosphere who acted dominantly and controllingly at home and expected their partners to submit to them.

Matteo Cocchi, commander of the Ticino police and president of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Police Commanders, said effective action against radicalisation had to begin when the first warning signs appeared. Police training is being continuously adapted, he said.

Cocchi called for the Intelligence Service Act to be revised so dangerous tendencies could be identified earlier. The proposal is pending in Parliament. The National Council and the relevant Council of States committee have identified a need for action, particularly in combating extremism. The Council of States will decide next.

Jans also said he would support a third national action plan after the current second plan ends in 2027. The new plan should include monitoring of radicalisation trends. According to the Federal Department of Justice and Police, 94 projects received funding between 2019 and 2026, with 750,000 Swiss francs allocated annually.