The German Institute for Human Rights (DIMR) has raised concerns about increasing anti-Muslim racism in Germany, citing the impact of heightened Middle East tensions on public perceptions and freedoms, Middle East Monitor said.
In a report released Monday, the institute called on leaders and media to avoid generalisations and negative stereotypes that could harm Muslims’ rights and freedoms.
DIMR Director Beate Rudolf highlighted how political discourse and media coverage following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack in Israel have fostered harmful stereotypes about Muslims, emphasizing the need to separate criticism of governments from identity-based prejudices, urging caution in framing public narratives.
DIMR’s report detailed a sharp rise in anti-Muslim racism in 2023, with 1,926 documented incidents, marking a 114% increase from the 898 cases reported in 2022. This equates to an average of over five incidents daily, underscoring the need for preventive measures and stronger civic engagement to combat hate and misinformation.
DIMR criticised restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, particularly the bans on demonstrations described as “pro-Palestinian.” According to the report, these restrictions disproportionately affected people of Palestinian descent, limiting their ability to express grief for civilian casualties in Gaza and call for peace and an independent Palestinian state.
DIMR called for more balanced narratives and legal safeguards to ensure freedom of assembly and expression is upheld in alignment with democratic principles, stressing the importance of expanded awareness programs to address rising racism and protect minority rights in Germany.
