Hate against Muslims

Human Rights First: report on Islamophobia '07

Violence against Muslims is a relatively new and potent factor in the modern stew of racist and anti-immigrant bias. The rise of violence against Muslims in Europe has occurred in tandem with the adoption of anti-immigrant, racially motivated political platforms by both fringe and mainstream political movements. Violence against people of Middle Eastern or Asian origin who are thought, to be Muslims builds upon preexistent racism and xenophobia that is both exacerbated and given an outlet in times of public distress over terrorist outrages. A result has been heightened anxiety and rising violence against racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, as well as a new climate of exclusion.

The 2007 Survey on Islamophobia can be accessed at: http://www.humanrightsfirst.info/pdf/07601-discrim-hc-islamophobia-web.pdf.