Muslims in Europe still suffer from hatred, racism, physical assault and Islamophobia, according to a report published on Tuesday by the International Center for Watching Violation of Rights.
The report titled “Increasing Discrimination in Europe” focused on Muslim communities, how they experience Islamophobia and how Islamophobia manifests itself.
UHIM chairman, Ayhan Kucuk read the report at a press conference held at the Culture and Congress Center in Uskudar Baglarbasi. Kucuk said that hatred, Islamophobia and racism faced by migrants living in Europe were the main objectives of the report.
Kucuk said that, in the research, they found that Muslims and foreigners in Europe still experience discrimination in a range of areas, including primary schools.
“Discrimination against foreigners (Muslims) has very painful consequences,” he said.
According to the report, some “landlords deny housing opportunities to Muslim families because they are veiled or bearded. Some veiled women face difficulties to register in sports complexes and pools or participate in some recreational activities.”
Kucuk said discrimination against Muslims has increased in recent years, mainly because of the 9/11 attacks and the rise of Daesh.
As a solution to the problem, Kucuk suggested that “legislation in European countries should protect the right of foreigners and Muslims. The states should ensure their security and also protect their property.”
“The UN should name Islamophobia as a crime and impose sanctions,” Kucuk added.
The report suggested that the UN should create “small monitoring units and information reached through these units should be filed on a regular basis and presented to the competent authorities.”