Survey reveals 87% of Muslim students in Germany face discrimination

At their annual meeting in Frankfurt, German Muslim students gathered to address various social issues, including the persistent problem of racism and its impact on their daily lives.

The event, led by a group of lawyers, highlighted the widespread discrimination faced by Muslims in Germany.

According to Caliber.Az referencing the Iraqi site ShiaWaves, the students were asked whether they had experienced racism. A staggering 87% responded affirmatively, citing instances of discrimination in schools, universities, workplaces, and public spaces. This finding aligns with a 2023 Allianz survey, which revealed that nearly 80% of Muslims have encountered racism in various forms.

Human rights organizations have long pointed out that Muslims in Western societies are frequently subjected to discrimination based on both their national origin and religion. Women, in particular, face compounded challenges due to gender bias. Experts warn that such racism not only leads to social exclusion but can also escalate into violence in more extreme cases.

The topic of “dissent” was also discussed at the meeting, with one example being Dutch politician Geert Wilders' controversial social media post following the Magdeburg attack. Wilders' remarks, which framed Muslims as outsiders, were cited as an example of how hate speech can fuel further discrimination.

Despite the pervasive racism, none of the students at the meeting had officially reported their experiences. Experts encouraged attendees to document these incidents and report them to official bodies, such as the federal anti-discrimination agency.

Muslim leaders emphasized that combating racism requires institutional efforts, urging authorities, employers, and society at large to ensure justice and equality for all communities.

By Tamilla Hasanova