A/HRC/4/19/Add.2 page 21 69. The Special Rapporteur noted, both in political discourse and in political platforms, as well as in some of the media, the growing emphasis on rhetoric based on the “defence of national identity” and the “threat of the foreign presence”. The electoral success of these platforms reflects the existence in society of a current of political opinion that promotes the defence of identity vis-à-vis immigration and fosters the emergence of a culture of xenophobia in some segments of society - particularly rural society - which has been confirmed by the results of certain recent votes. Questions relating to the place of foreigners in society, immigration and asylum are not treated as a matter of priority on the basis of the relevant international human rights instruments but, increasingly, only on the basis of two criteria: the security imperative and the defence of national identity. 70. Historically, the Swiss authorities have linked foreign immigration to the job market. This is reflected in the text of laws on the granting of residence permits. The Special Rapporteur notes that these successive waves of workers have been tolerated and later accepted in the country as long as there was no deterioration in the economy and the job market. The most recent influxes of foreigners in Switzerland have come at a time of a relative increase in unemployment and a decrease in growth owing to international factors and to the Swiss economy. These new arrivals, including refugees and asylum-seekers, have been singled out by certain populist parties as responsible for rising unemployment or the State debt. 71. The Special Rapporteur notes with regret the tendency, which began several years ago, to criminalize foreigners, asylum-seekers and refugees in Switzerland. This is done by the enactment of laws, regulations and decrees that place these groups of persons in a vulnerable legal situation, resulting in their social marginalization and cultural stigmatization. 72. In this context, the Special Rapporteur notes the political authorities’ lack of unity and a coherent national policy concerning the question of racism and xenophobia. The general picture, which is one of significant progress and serious regression and is therefore marked by contrast and contradiction, seems to reflect the existence of internal tensions and profound disagreements among the political authorities. Indeed, on the one hand, the Swiss Confederation has adopted anti-discriminatory norms, even if there is room for progress in this area, and finances projects to combat discrimination and racism. On the other, it constantly reinforces its legislative restrictions against foreigners, refugees and asylum-seekers. In doing so, it sends the population the message that foreigners are stigmatized and criminalized, thereby reinforcing prejudices and increasing discrimination and xenophobia within society. This tends to legitimize acts of racism and xenophobia, both on the part of State bodies and in everyday social relations. The Special Rapporteur noted significant questions in this regard within certain State institutions and in civil society. Thus, an eminent official of one of these institutions stated in a letter addressed to the Special Rapporteur following his visit that “significant efforts have been made over the past few years to integrate foreigners. However, paradoxically, rarely has speech reflecting distrust, and even contempt, towards them been so crude, nauseating and so widespread and echoed”. 73. The Special Rapporteur considers that racist and xenophobic discourse has left its mark on people’s minds, even within the State apparatus. The leitmotif of foreigners as criminals,