Muslims across Europe are increasingly fighting against a “concerning rise” in racism and discrimination. A prominent human rights organization within the European Union (EU) has pointed to “inhumane anti-Muslim rhetoric” as a contributing factor to this surge in racism.
Recently, this organization released a survey report highlighting the alarming increase in racism faced by Muslims in Europe. Nearly half of the Muslim participants in the survey reported experiencing discrimination in recent times.
The report, published by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), involved responses from 9,600 Muslim men and women across 13 European countries. The findings reveal that racism and discrimination are posing significant threats to various aspects of Muslims’ daily lives across the continent.
Participants indicated that this racism manifests in various ways. For instance, their children face bullying in educational institutions, they encounter inequalities in employment opportunities, and experience biases when trying to buy or rent homes.
The survey was completed before October 7, the day when unprecedented rocket attacks were launched by Palestinian militant group Hamas against Israel. In response, Israel began a severe military operation in Gaza. While the FRA acknowledges that the survey was conducted before this conflict, they note that subsequent information from civic organizations and governments indicates a rise in anti-Muslim actions since the outbreak of violence.
Shirpa Rautiyo, the director of FRA, stated, “We are witnessing a troubling increase in racism and discrimination against Muslims in Europe. This is exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East. The inhumane anti-Muslim rhetoric has further intensified the situation across the continent.”
Since October 7, officials in various European countries have been struggling to address the rise in hate crimes primarily targeting Muslim and some Jewish communities. Incidents range from attempted arson at a synagogue in Berlin to threatening and derogatory letters sent to Muslim councils and mosque authorities in France.
FRA has spoken to Muslims in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. The survey indicates that 47% of respondents reported experiencing racial discrimination over the past five years, a 39% increase compared to 2016.
Vida Beresneviciute, a co-author of the survey report, noted, “We are seeing the situation for Muslims worsening. Living as a Muslim in Europe has become more challenging than ever.” Analysts suggest that this discrimination is closely tied to the rise of far-right parties in Europe. For example, in Austria, the Freedom Party, known for its anti-immigrant stance, has gained significant support, with 71% of Muslims reporting recent experiences of discrimination there. Similarly, in neighboring Germany, the Alternative for Germany party is also gaining traction, with 68% of Muslims indicating they have faced discrimination.
The FRA survey shows that 39% of Muslims across the 13 countries reported workplace discrimination, while 41% of employed Muslims felt they needed additional qualifications to secure jobs.
Participants indicated that 35% faced challenges in purchasing or renting homes due to discrimination, which is a 22% increase compared to 2016. Beresneviciute emphasized, “These discriminatory practices are widespread, persistent, and insurmountable.”
The ongoing impact of racism is profound and long-lasting, leading many Muslims in various European countries to live in poverty and crowded areas. Additionally, the number of Muslims living under temporary contracts has increased two and a half times, and Muslims are leaving educational institutions three times earlier than the general population.
Since October 7, European officials have struggled to cope with the rise in hate crimes targeting primarily Muslim and some Jewish communities. This includes an attempted arson incident at a synagogue in Berlin and threatening letters sent to various Muslim councils and mosque authorities in France.
Beresneviciute highlights that young Muslims face discrimination at alarming rates, with over half (55%) of young Muslims born in Europe acknowledging experiences of discrimination when applying for jobs in the past five years. They report feeling overlooked despite having similar language skills and qualifications as their peers.
This situation underscores the urgent need for EU member states to adopt strong measures against discrimination and hate crimes. The FRA has urged lawmakers to collect quality data to inform necessary actions. Unfortunately, most European countries, except the UK, do not collect census data on racial or ethnic diversity.
Overall, the report indicates that racism and racial discrimination have become entrenched issues across Europe. Addressing these concerns is crucial, as eliminating such discrimination will require concrete steps and sustained attention.
In a positive light, organizations like FRA are actively working to highlight these issues and advocate for the rights of Muslims in Europe. By bringing attention to these challenges, they aim to foster understanding and support for positive change in society.
Source: Prothom Alo
