Muslims across Europe are facing a significant rise in racism, largely driven by "dehumanizing anti-Muslim rhetoric," according to the EU’s leading rights agency. A recent survey conducted by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) revealed that nearly half of Muslim respondents had experienced discrimination in recent years.
The survey, released on Thursday, covered 9,600 Muslims across 13 EU member states and found that racism and discrimination permeate many aspects of their lives, from children being bullied in schools to barriers in job opportunities and housing, reports the Guardian.
Although the survey was completed before the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, the FRA noted that anti-Muslim incidents have continued to rise since the conflict began, based on reports from civil society groups and authorities.
“We are witnessing a worrying surge in racism and discrimination against Muslims in Europe,” said Sirpa Rautio, director of the FRA. She attributed this increase to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the spread of anti-Muslim rhetoric across the continent.
Following the October 7 attacks, authorities across Europe scrambled to address the rise in hate crimes targeting both Muslim and Jewish communities. Incidents ranged from attempted arson at a Berlin synagogue to threatening letters sent to Muslim organizations in France.
The FRA's findings showed that 47% of Muslims reported experiencing racism in the five years before 2022, up from 39% in 2016. This rise in discrimination was notably high in countries where far-right parties have gained prominence, such as Austria (71%) and Germany (68%).
Discrimination was prevalent in employment, with 39% of Muslims reporting unfair treatment in the job market. Many also faced challenges in housing, with 35% stating they had been blocked from buying or renting due to discrimination, a significant increase from 22% in 2016.
The report emphasised that these issues have long-term effects, as Muslims are more likely to live in poverty, endure overcrowded housing, and hold temporary contracts. They are also three times more likely to leave school early compared to the general population in the EU.
Young Muslims, particularly those born in Europe, reported high levels of discrimination, with 55% saying they experienced racism while seeking employment, despite their qualifications and language skills.
Muslim women who wear religious clothing, such as headscarves, faced even higher rates of discrimination, especially in the labour market. Among women aged 16-24 who wore religious attire, 58% reported discrimination.
The FRA urged EU member states to implement stricter penalties for hate crimes and discrimination and called for the collection of equality data to better monitor and address these issues.
These findings follow similar reports showing widespread racism across the EU, including discrimination against Black and Jewish communities, reinforcing the need for urgent action to address racial discrimination across Europe.