In its annual report, a European human rights body noted ‘’a rise in violent anti-Semitic incidents’’ in some countries and urges member States to give high priority to the fight against ant-Ssemitism.
Each year, as an introduction to its annual report, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) outlines the main trends in the fields of racism, xenophobia, racial discrimination2, xenophobia, anti-Ssemitism and intolerance in Europe.
Based in Strasbourg, ECRI is part of the Council of Europe and is composed of independent experts who prepare reports and issues recommendations to the 47 Council member States.
In its latest report, ECRI said acute financial instability and a subsequent increase in resentment and prejudice against immigrants, Muslims and Roma people in particular, are some of the worrying trends identified during country visits in 2012. ECRI also notes that xenophobic parties have attracted increasing support and representation in the parliaments of several European countries, and a marked rise in racially motivated hate speech via the internet. ‘’ Some have a blatantly neo-Nazi agenda, advocating racist action or violence in particular against immigrants, Roma and Jews,’’ ECRI writes, adding that voices are being raised against EU-backed funding for such parties.
‘’In 2012 a neo-Nazi terrorist cell suspected of a series of racially-motivated assassinations came to light. At the same time there are indications that Islamic radicalism is increasing, with the use of extreme tactics for achieving perceived Islamic goals,’’ ECRI notes.
‘’A rise in violent antisemitic incidents has been reported in some countries. Three children and their teacher were murdered at a Jewish school in a religiously-motivated attack,’’ the report said in a reference to the attack against a school in Toulouse by Mohammed Merah, an Islamist terrorist, which killed three children and a teacher.
‘’ECRI urges member States to give high priority to the fight against anti-Semitism and draw inspiration from its General Policy Recommendation No. 9 on combating antisemitism.’’
The European body also noted a ‘’persistent reverence of fascist symbols and ideology and the commemoration of pro-Nazi soldiers in certain regions, with the support of political leaders.
‘’Such public manifestations risk fuelling racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance,’’ it said.
Last week, results of a survey conducted in nine European Union countries among Jewish people’s experiences and perceptions show that three-quarters of respondents feel that anti-Semitism has got worse in the past five years particularly as concerns anti-Semitic comments and hate speech online.
The survey by the Vienna-based Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), an EU agency which provides the EU institutions and Member States with independent, evidence-based advice on fundamental rights, will be presented on November 8, on the eve of the anniversary of the anti-Jewish pogroms that took place 75 years ago.