Racism In Austria: Is It A Problem?

Austria has been the subject of scrutiny when it comes to racism. While the country has taken steps to combat discrimination and promote equality, there are reports of racist incidents, particularly towards Muslims, Black people, and migrants from South and Eastern Europe. In 2022, at least 1,479 racist incidents were reported across Austria, with 68% occurring online and 167 taking place in public spaces. The country has implemented anti-discrimination measures, such as training for key personnel in ministries and law enforcement, and has strengthened criminal protection against discrimination and hate crimes. However, some people still share anecdotes of experiencing or witnessing racism in Austria, including violent incidents.

Racism in Austria: Incidents and prevalence

Racism in Austria is a complex issue, with a mix of incidents and prevailing attitudes that vary across the country. While it is challenging to generalise, certain patterns and trends can be observed.

Austria has taken steps to address racism and xenophobia through concrete measures at all levels, including promoting equal treatment, combating stereotypes, and facilitating integration. The country's commitment to these principles is reflected in its constitution and legislation, which align with international conventions and declarations on human rights and racial discrimination. Despite these efforts, racist incidents persist and are reported across the country.

According to a 2022 report by Civil Courage and Anti-Racism Work (ZARA), a Vienna-based rights group, there were at least 1,479 racist incidents recorded in Austria during that year. Online forums, social media, and video platforms accounted for 68% of these incidents, while 167 incidents took place in public spaces like streets, parks, and traffic areas. Muslim families and Black people were among those facing racist discrimination, insults, or violence. The report also documented 134 incidents in the service and entertainment sectors, 85 incidents in public institutions, and 59 cases of racist violence by the police.

Beyond these reported incidents, anecdotal evidence suggests that racism in Austria can manifest in more subtle ways. Some people of colour (POC) report experiencing uncomfortable staring, which may be attributed to curiosity or xenophobia. Interracial couples, particularly those involving male migrants, may face verbal harassment or passive-aggressive comments. Additionally, POC may encounter discrimination in various aspects of daily life, such as longer wait times in restaurants, less friendly salespersons, or challenges in finding employment. While physical violence with racist motives is considered rare, it does occur.

Austria's history and political landscape have also played a role in shaping the country's relationship with racism. The emergence of openly antisemitic and racist electoral platforms has been a concerning development, with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) gaining influence in recent years. Additionally, the country's voting patterns and the rise of neo-Nazi organisations indicate underlying racist sentiments among a portion of the population.

Overall, while Austria has made efforts to combat racism and uphold human rights, racist incidents and prevailing attitudes remain a significant issue. The prevalence of racism varies across the country, with urban areas like Vienna generally considered more progressive and diverse than more conservative regions such as Salzburg and Upper Austria.

Anti-Muslim sentiment in Austria

Austria has a strong tradition of populist, right-wing politics which has been associated with anti-Muslim sentiment. While publicly voiced prejudices against Muslims were once rare, the country's stance towards its Muslim population has shifted in recent years. This shift is reflected in the rise of the Freedom Party (FPÖ), a right-wing populist group that has campaigned against Islam and refugees. The party's leader, Heinz-Christian Strache, has stated, "Islamism is the new fascism."

This anti-Muslim sentiment is not limited to political parties but is also prevalent among the Austrian populace. A survey by the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) found that over half of Turkish migrants in Austria considered leaving the country due to rising Islamophobia. The survey also revealed that 84.5% felt frustrated by the increasing Islamophobia, and 42.7% were so unhappy that they no longer wanted to live in Austria.

Austria's history with Islam is complex. The country granted full legal recognition to Islam in 1912, and this longstanding consensus on the integration of Islam into Austrian society was reflected in the inclusion of Muslims under the umbrella of 'us' in national identity by the ruling political elite. However, this consensus came under question with the rise of right-wing populist parties like the Freedom Party.

The anti-Muslim sentiment in Austria has also been linked to entrenched Judeophobic prejudices in society. Some argue that Islamophobia serves as a cover for antisemitism, which aligns with Austria's collective memory of demonstrating an amiable attitude towards Muslims while considering Jews as the ultimate enemy.

While physical violence with racist motives is rare in Austria, discrimination against Muslims manifests in various forms, such as longer waiting times in restaurants, unfriendly salespersons, and difficulties in finding employment. Additionally, there have been reports of verbal attacks and insults directed at Muslims and individuals of Middle Eastern or North African descent.

To combat racism and xenophobia, Austria has taken concrete measures on multiple levels, including promoting equal treatment, fighting stereotypes, and promoting integration. The country has strengthened criminal protection against discrimination and hate crimes and adopted comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. Additionally, non-legislative measures are being implemented, particularly in education, training, and awareness-raising initiatives.

Austria's commitment to anti-racism

Austria has demonstrated its commitment to anti-racism through various measures and initiatives at the national and international levels.

At the national level, Austria has strengthened criminal protection against discrimination and hate crimes, including racist violence by the police. The principle of equal treatment is enshrined in the Austrian Constitution, and the country has adopted comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that is constantly being improved. Austria has also established bodies such as the Equal Treatment Commissions and the Ombudsperson to address complaints of discrimination and promote equal treatment.

Additionally, Austria has taken non-legislative measures, particularly in education, training, and awareness-raising. The Austrian education system aims to promote values of justice, equality, non-discrimination, democracy, fairness, friendship, tolerance, and respect. The government has also implemented initiatives to raise awareness of discrimination issues, such as training for key personnel in various ministries and the police force.

Austria actively engages in the fight against racism and xenophobia internationally. It is a state party to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and has participated in world conferences and meetings to address these issues. Austria also supports the work of organisations such as the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance and the European Union Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.

However, it is important to acknowledge that racism still persists in Austria. Reports indicate that racist incidents, including discrimination, insults, and violence, remain a concern, particularly towards Muslim families and Black people. There have also been reports of xenophobic and racist attitudes in the law enforcement sector.

To further strengthen its commitment to anti-racism, Austria can continue to implement and improve existing measures, address concerns raised by international organisations, and ensure that its efforts align with international standards and best practices.

Racist attitudes in law enforcement

Austria has committed to upholding the principle of equality and to combating racism and xenophobia. However, racist attitudes and behaviours persist in the country, including within law enforcement.

In 2022, at least 1,479 racist incidents were reported across Austria, according to a report by Civil Courage and Anti-Racism Work (ZARA). Of these incidents, 59 were cases of racist violence perpetrated by the police. The report also documented 85 racist incidents in public institutions.

The issue of racist attitudes in Austrian law enforcement has been raised by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. They expressed concern about xenophobic and racist attitudes apparent in the sector, as well as the ill-treatment and humiliation carried out by the police, and the discriminatory language used by law enforcement officers.

In response to these concerns, Austria has implemented various measures to address racist attitudes and behaviours in law enforcement. For example, the Austrian Government has introduced training for the police force on interacting with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. They have also established a complaints unit within the Ministry of the Interior, which received a total of 357 appeals in 2006 and 447 in 2007. Additionally, the Federal Minister of the Interior issued a decree in 2002 regarding the use of appropriate language by law enforcement officers.

Racist violence by the police

Austria has been accused of institutional racism, with racist violence by the police being a key concern. Amnesty International has reported on the issue, highlighting several cases of racist abuse and ill-treatment by the Austrian police. In one incident, a Gambian citizen, Bakary J, was deported and beaten by police officers, who received minimal punishment. In another case, a man of Ghanaian origin was pepper-sprayed and attacked with a baseball bat, and the police failed to take statements from witnesses, leading to dropped charges.

The organisation has called for urgent action to address racist misconduct and ensure equal treatment for all, regardless of ethnicity or skin colour. They have also noted that non-white Austrians are more likely to be suspected of crimes and face ill-treatment by law enforcement. This has led to a sense of injustice within minority communities, who feel specifically targeted.

Several other sources also point to racist attitudes within the police force. One source mentions that "random papers checks" by the police are more common for those who are visibly non-white. Another source mentions that the police might be "a little strikter [stricter]" depending on how a person dresses, and that there is a perception of racial profiling, with one commenter stating that:

> "The police might be a little strikter [stricter], depending on how you dress (we actually have a couple of guys from Nigeria that started a drug-trafficking ring, so they sort of created a profile that backfired on the whole black community)."

Additionally, foreigners living in Austria have reported encountering growing hatred in their environment, attributing this to the climate of intolerance nurtured by the Freedom Party, led at the time by Jørg Haider.

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