Brussels, 24/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - Just as the President of the USA, George Bush is spending a few days visiting Europe to win backing for his declared war on terrorism, a report has been published by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC), which shows that there has been a rise in hostility against Muslims in the EU. Since 11 September, this community has been the victim of an increasing number of verbal assaults (that has increased across the board according to the report), as well as physical (that are specific to Member States but significant in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark and Sweden), significant changes in behaviour towards them, as well as towards other vulnerable groups.
According to the report's conclusions, attacks have been carried out on Muslim women, particularly those wearing the veil. These women appear to be the main visual target for an excuse to hate, as well as men wearing turbans, asylum seekers, political refugees and immigrants. Due to their visibility, mosques have also been attacked in a number of EU countries. This report, compiled by National Focal Points (NFP) and the EUMC is based on reports made in 15 Member States and puts this trend in attacks down to a feeling of fear, exacerbated by the events of 11 September. This growing fear, is not just a fear of terrorism, it has been fanned by uncertainties and deep prejudices, which have been exploited by the Far Right and neo-Nazi groups, explained Ms Beate Winkler and Mr Bob Purkiss, the respective Director and President of EUMC. Mr Purkiss did, nevertheless, explain some positive developments, "the reaction against this trend", which proved that, "Religious leaders and politicians who have tried to promote tolerance and religious and cultural diversity are bringing their communities closer together". The report welcomes, amongst other things, the initiative of Austrian President, Thomas Klestil, of bringing together Jewish representatives and setting up a permanent dialogue with other religions, but also cites the "responsible towards Muslims and other ethnic minorities" in the Finnish media, as well as the National Dutch Journalists Association for its co-operation with organisations fighting against discrimination.
The EUMC wants more participation, dialogue and inclusion and is calling on the Commission, Spanish Presidency, religious leaders, other actors in society, including the media, to participate in this cultural inter-dialogue that would allow for the basis of clear political guidelines to be set up in a tolerant and non-discriminatory Europe. Its recommendations encourage initiatives in good practices, particularly information on Islamic culture, not just in the academic world but for all citizens in Europe.
At the same time we are witnessing a rise in anti-Semitism in Europe, on which the EUMC will also be compiling a report, which should be made public in June.