Muslims experience the most racism in Germany, Austria and Finland, according to a recent EU study. According to it, about every second Muslim faces discrimination in their everyday life.
In Europe, almost every second Muslim faces racism and discrimination in their everyday life, says the European Union’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA).
According to the agency, the corresponding share in 2016 was 39 percent.
– We are witnessing a worrying rise in racism and discrimination against Muslims in Europe, FRA director Sirpa Rautio says news agency AFP.
According to Rautio, conflicts in the Middle East worsen anti-Muslim rhetoric and dehumanization. FRA investigated discrimination experienced by Muslims in 13 different EU countries in 2021-2022, and a total of 9,600 people participated in the study. There are 27 EU countries in total.
According to the study, the most discrimination was experienced in the countries studied in Austria, Germany and Finland.
According to the agency, hatred towards Muslims had been growing even before the Hamas attack on Israel, and the attack increased the hatred appreciably.
Several EU countries have reported anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim acts following the Hamas attack and subsequent Israeli retaliation.
In addition to religion, skin color, a certain ethnicity or immigrant background also cause discrimination.
Young Muslims born in the EU and women who are dressed in religious clothes are in a particularly weak position.
According to FRA, Muslims are also discriminated against in the labor market and in situations related to housing, education and healthcare.