Crimes against humanity

Crimes against humanity cover acts such as murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation, torture, rape, persecution and enforced disappearance when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians. Unlike war crimes, they do not require an armed conflict. The focus is on large-scale or organized violence and the perpetrator’s link to that attack. Switzerland recognizes the gravity of these offences in its criminal law and may exercise jurisdiction where legal conditions are met, alongside international courts and cooperation mechanisms.