• Anti-Islamic hate crime statistics by September 2023, tallied 686 incidents. This exceeding the total of 610 reported for the entirety of 2022.
• Human Rights Watch asserts that Germany must invest in protecting Muslims.
The German government falls short in protecting Muslims and people perceived as such from racism amid rising hate incidents, says Human Rights
“The German government’s failings in protecting Muslims from hatred and discrimination start with a lack of understanding that Muslims experience racism and not simply faith-based hostility,” says Almaz Teffera, researcher on racism in Europe at Human Rights Watch. “Without a clear understanding of anti-Muslim hate and discrimination in Germany and strong data on incidents and community outreach, a response by the German authorities will be ineffective.”
Preliminary hate crime statistics for 2023 counted 686 “anti-Islamic” crimes by September, surpassing the 610 recorded for all of 2022. Interior Ministry has not provided data for October to December. Civil society groups warn of a rise in anti-Muslim incidents since October, following Israel-Palestine hostilities.
Germany’s federal commissioner for anti-racism, Reem Alabali-Radovan, voiced concern about the increase in incidents. Human Rights Watch sees this as a positive step but underscores the need for improved protections for Muslims in Germany and Europe.
Rima Hanano, head of Alliance Against Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate (CLAIM), reports a new high for anti-Muslim incidents in 2023, with an average of three per day in November alone.
The German government lacks countrywide monitoring and data collection infrastructure for anti-Muslim incidents. Hate crime system classifies incidents under “anti-Islamic” motives, failing to recognize racism, says Human Rights Watch.
Government-commissioned study in June 2023 recognized widespread anti-Muslim sentiments and recommended acknowledging connection between anti-Muslim hate and racism. Interior Ministry has not engaged with study experts or acted on recommendations.
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights survey found 1 in 10 reported anti-Muslim incidents in 2017. Dissatisfaction with police handling was common among those who reported.
Far-right extremist attack in Hanau in 2020 killed nine, mostly of Muslim background. European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance calls for independent monitoring and capacity-building to combat anti-Muslim racism.
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination obliges Germany to protect Muslim communities. Committee monitoring compliance urges effective investigation and prosecution of racist hate incidents.
“Germany should invest in protecting Muslims and all other minority communities in Germany because it is an investment in protecting all of German society,” says Teffera.
