Sharp increase in racism against Muslims in Belgium and across Europe
Racism and discrimination against Muslims have significantly worsened across Europe, with nearly one in two Muslims experiencing it in their daily lives. This marks a sharp rise since 2016, according to a new report released on Thursday by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
Belgium stands out as one of the countries where Muslims face the highest levels of discrimination in the housing market.
The FRA surveyed more than 9,000 Muslims in 13 European countries about their experiences. The data, collected between October 2021 and October 2022, predates the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
The findings reveal that 47 per cent of Muslims face racial discrimination, a notable increase from 39 per cent in 2016. Austria at 71 per cent, Germany at 68 per cent and Finland at 63 per cent reported the highest rates.
"We are witnessing a worrying increase in racism and discrimination against Muslims in Europe"
Muslims most commonly face discrimination while job hunting (39 per cent) and in the workplace (35 per cent), compared to 31 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively, in 2016. This has ripple effects on other sectors, including housing, education and healthcare.
For instance, 35 per cent of respondents were unable to buy or rent a home due to discrimination, up from 22 per cent in 2016. In Belgium, 43 per cent of Muslims reported facing housing discrimination, placing it alongside Germany (54 per cent), Austria (50 per cent) and Finland (43 per cent) as countries with the highest rates.
'Dehumanising rhetoric'
The report highlights that Muslims are often targeted not only for their religion but also because of their skin colour, ethnicity and migration background. Young Muslims born in the EU and women who wear religious clothing are particularly affected.
“We are witnessing a worrying increase in racism and discrimination against Muslims in Europe,” said Sirpa Rautio, director of the FRA. “This is fuelled by conflicts in the Middle East and exacerbated by dehumanising anti-Muslim rhetoric seen across the continent.”
A woman wearing a veil gets on a bus in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
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