Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged German authorities to take stronger measures against racism targeting Muslims, amidst a concerning rise in racist attacks and hate crimes.
Almaaz Tivara, an expert at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that the German government needs to change its approach in addressing racism against Muslims, and ensure better reporting and tracking of hate crimes targeting Muslims.
Tivara stated, “The German government’s failures to protect Muslims from hatred and discrimination begin with not understanding that Muslims experience racism, not just religious-based hostility.”
He added, “Without a clear understanding of hatred and discrimination against Muslims in Germany, and strong data on incidents and community engagement, the response of the German authorities will be ineffective.”
Human Rights Watch stressed that “Germany must invest in protecting Muslims and all other minorities in Germany, as it is an investment in protecting the entire German society.”
According to official figures, German police recorded 686 crimes and hate attacks against Islam between January and October last year, including threatening messages, verbal and physical assaults, vandalism, and property damage.
These numbers were significantly higher than the previous year when German authorities recorded 610 hate crimes and attacks against Islam throughout 2022.
