FRA updates its anti-Muslim hatred database

FRA's research points to a rise in racism and discrimination against Muslims across the EU in recent years. The 'Being Muslim in the EU' report shows that 1 in 2 Muslim experience racial discrimination, most notably in the labour and housing markets. Racist harassment is also widespread.

New data included in the anti-Muslim hatred database also highlight that there has been a noticeable increase in anti-Muslim incidents in the EU since the Hamas attacks in October 2023, particularly in Austria, Belgium and Bulgaria. For example, Austria experienced an unprecedented increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes, with over 1,500 incidents reported in 2023 - the highest number since 2015.

At the same time, the update shows considerable divergence in legal frameworks, reporting and recording practices, and levels of political commitment among Member States. Greater consistency and a shared focus on victims' needs and rights are essential to ensure a harmonised approach across the EU.

The database serves as valuable source of information on:

• hate crime, incitement to violence and hatred, harassment, hate speech and discrimination against Muslims;
• international, European and national case law as well as findings of national human rights bodies;
• UN human rights body decisions, reports, and findings from human rights organisations and equality bodies;
• research, reports, studies, data and statistics on anti-Muslim hatred;
• organisations providing support to victims of hate crime.

It supports policymakers in developing more effective responses to tackle anti-Muslim hatred. It also supports the work of the EU High Level Group on hate speech and hate crime, the EU Commission's coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred and civil society organisations.