Islamophobia is on the rise in Europe

In Europe, Islamophobia is moving beyond individual cases and becoming an institutional problem. According to Enes Bayrakli, an associate professor at the Turkish-German University and editor of the European Report on Islamophobia, bans on the hijab, which were previously implemented at the local level, are now being implemented at the national level in many European countries.

The report, prepared by Bayrakli and William & Mary professor Farid Hafez, analyzed racism and discrimination against Muslims in 28 countries. According to the report:

In 2023, 47 percent of Muslims experienced racism, up from 39 percent in 2016.

Bans on religious clothing have become commonplace, and restrictions on the hijab and other practices are being implemented at an institutional level.

Austria (71%), Germany (68%) and Finland (63%) are the countries with the highest levels of discrimination against Muslims.

Bayrakli argues that the war in Gaza is being used as a pretext to restrict fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and speech for Muslims in Europe. Governments are using "soft" terms, preferring not to openly acknowledge Islamophobia.

Despite the UN declaring March 15 as the International Day against Islamophobia, no European country celebrated the day in 2023. European countries are showing weakness in taking legal action against Islamophobia.

The institutionalization of Islamophobia in Europe is seriously affecting the education, employment, and participation of Muslims in public life. Global recognition of the problem and the adoption of strong measures against it would be an important step towards protecting human rights.