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Muslim students in Germany gathered in Frankfurt for their annual meeting, where discussions focused on various social issues, including racism and its impact on daily life, news outlet Global News reported. The session on racism, presented by a group of legal professionals, highlighted widespread discrimination faced by Muslims in the country.
During the discussion, attendees were asked if they had experienced racism. A significant 87% responded affirmatively, citing incidents at school, university, workplaces, and public spaces. This aligns with a 2023 study by “Claim Allianz,” which found that nearly 80% of Muslims or those perceived as Muslim in Germany had encountered racism.
According to human rights organizations, Muslims in Western societies often face discrimination based on their appearance, cultural background, and religion. Women, in particular, experience additional challenges due to gender-based biases. Experts warn that racism fosters social exclusion and, in extreme cases, can lead to violence.
A concept discussed at the event was “othering,” which occurs when a group is labeled as fundamentally different, reinforcing division.
This was exemplified by a recent social media post by Dutch politician Geert Wilders following an attack in Magdeburg. Before the suspect’s political affiliations were known, his comments framed Muslims as outsiders, highlighting how language can perpetuate discrimination.
Despite widespread experiences of racism, none of the students at the meeting had formally reported incidents. Experts encouraged victims to document and report cases through official channels, such as Germany’s Anti-Discrimination Office.
Muslim leaders emphasize that combating racism requires both institutional action and societal awareness, urging authorities, employers, and the public to address discrimination while promoting justice and equality for all communities.