Racism In Austria: Is It A Growing Concern?

is there racism in austria

Racism in Austria is a pressing issue. Despite the country's commitment to combating racial discrimination and its active engagement in international organisations like the UN and EU to promote human rights, Austria has witnessed a significant number of racist incidents. In 2020, the anti-racism initiative ZARA recorded a staggering 3,039 reports of racist incidents, the highest in its 22-year history. This surge in racism has persisted, with nearly 2,000 racist attacks reported in 2021, highlighting the pervasive nature of racism in various spheres of Austrian society.

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Racism in Austria: the numbers

Austria has a population of around nine million people, of which approximately 40,000 are Black. While the country is committed to tackling racism and has taken steps to promote equal treatment and integration, there are still concerns about the prevalence of racist incidents and the government's response.

According to a 2023 report by Civil Courage and Anti-racism-work (ZARA), there were at least 1,302 racist incidents in Austria in that year, with 58% occurring online and 42% in social settings. This number is likely an underestimate, as many instances of racism go unreported. The actual figure may be much higher, and the problem appears to be worsening, with an increase in neo-Nazi organisations and xenophobic and racist manifestations in the country.

Austria scored 5/20 in the European Network Against Racism's evaluation of its National Action Plan against Racism. The country has no identifiable action plan, and the government has been criticised for promoting anti-Muslim discourse and policies, as well as targeting certain racial groups. There is also institutional harassment and attacks against NGOs working to combat racism.

In terms of legislation, Austria has taken some steps to address racism and discrimination. The country is a state party to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and has implemented the Equal Treatment Law, which affords general protection against racial discrimination. The Austrian Penal Code also includes incitement to racial discrimination as a criminal offence, and the National Socialist Prohibition Act prohibits neo-Nazi activities and organisations. However, despite these measures, racist incidents and discrimination persist, particularly against Muslims, Jews, Africans, and ethnic minorities.

Austria's commitment to combating racism is outlined in its constitution and through its participation in international agreements and organisations, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance. The Austrian government has also taken steps to raise awareness about discrimination, improve education, and promote integration. However, despite these efforts, racism remains a significant issue in the country, and more needs to be done to address it effectively.

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Online racism in Austria

Austria has been taking concrete measures to combat racism and xenophobia, including online racism. The country has strengthened criminal protection against discrimination and hate crimes, with the principle of equal treatment established in the Austrian Constitution. However, online racism remains prevalent in the country.

The Vienna-based Civil Courage and Anti-Racism Work (ZARA) reported that in 2021, there were 1,117 racist posts shared on social media and other online platforms in Austria. This constituted over half of the total 1,977 racist attacks recorded that year. Additionally, 84 instances of racist or hateful rhetoric were recorded in print media and politics.

The ZARA Racism Report 2020 also documented racist incidents in various spheres of life in Austria, including the public sphere, access to goods and services, administrative public bodies, politics, media, and the police. This report provided a glimpse into everyday racism in the country.

Austria's efforts to combat online racism include its participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, where it actively engages in conferences and meetings aimed at addressing racism and discrimination. The country is also a state party to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination of 1965, which calls for concrete measures to be taken by all states to combat discrimination based on colour or ethnic origin.

However, despite these efforts, Austria has been criticized for lacking an identifiable action plan to combat racism. The European Network Against Racism (ENAR) gave the country a score of 5/20 in its evaluation of the National Action Plan against Racism. Additionally, civil society advocates face significant levels of institutional harassment and attacks when addressing racism in the country.

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Islamophobia in Austria

Islamophobia is the irrational fear, hostility, or hatred of the Islamic religion or Muslims in general. It is a form of religious or cultural bigotry, and those who hold such sentiments often stereotype Muslims as a geopolitical threat or source of terrorism.

Muslims in Austria make up nearly 9% of the population, and have historically faced Islamophobia in the country. In recent years, this has been exacerbated by the rise of right-wing politics and anti-Muslim sentiment.

Operation Luxor

On November 9, 2020, Austrian police carried out a large-scale operation targeting individuals and organisations in its Muslim civil society. Known as Operation Luxor, this operation involved nearly 1,000 police officers and targeted around 70 individuals and organisations. No arrests or charges were made, but the assets and bank accounts of those targeted were frozen, destroying their livelihoods.

Rise of Right-Wing Politics

The rise of right-wing politics in Austria has contributed to the increase in Islamophobia. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), led by Joerg Haider, has been accused of mainstreaming anti-immigrant sentiment in the country. The Austrian People's Party (OVP), led by Sebastian Kurz, has also implemented anti-Muslim policies, including the closure of mosques and the banning of the hijab in several educational institutions.

Media and Public Discourse

The media in Austria has been accused of perpetuating Islamophobia by underrepresenting Muslim viewpoints and negatively depicting Muslims and Islam. This includes the use of terms such as “Islamic terrorism” and “Islamic bombs”, which contribute to a negative perception of Islam.

Impact on Muslim Community

The increase in Islamophobia has had a significant impact on the Muslim community in Austria. They face discrimination, exclusion, and threats to their civil rights. Muslim women, especially those wearing headscarves or face veils, are more vulnerable to Islamophobic attacks.

Efforts to Combat Islamophobia

Austria has taken steps to combat racism and xenophobia, including strengthening criminal protection against discrimination and hate crimes and adopting anti-discrimination legislation. However, there is still work to be done to address the specific issue of Islamophobia and protect the rights and safety of the Muslim community in the country.

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Anti-racism initiatives in Austria

Austria has implemented several anti-racism initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to combating racism and xenophobia. Here are some key initiatives and measures:

Legislative and Policy Measures:

  • Austria is a state party to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination of 1965, which calls for concrete measures to combat discrimination based on colour or ethnic origin.
  • The Austrian Constitution establishes the principle of equal treatment, and the country has adopted comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that is constantly being improved.
  • Criminal protection against discrimination and hate crimes has been strengthened in recent years. Cyber-mobbing was criminalized in 2016, and authorities work with social media providers to remove hate speech within 24 hours.
  • Austria's Integration Act, which came into force in 2017, allocates resources to better integrate newcomers, focusing on language acquisition and long-term integration into the labour market.
  • The country has introduced legislative measures to promote LGBTI equality, such as recognizing a third gender category ("diverse/open") and legalizing same-sex marriage.

Initiatives to Promote Integration and Counter Discrimination:

  • The Federal Ministry of Education established "Mobile Intercultural Teams" to support migrant pupils in schools.
  • The Public Employment Service has initiated "competency checks" to assess the skills and qualifications of refugees for labour market integration.
  • The authorities have prioritized anti-Gypsyism with an updated national "Roma Strategy" in 2017.
  • Austria actively engages in international organizations and conferences to combat racism and promote concrete outcomes.

Non-Legislative Measures and Awareness-Raising:

  • Austria emphasizes the fight against stereotypes and the promotion of integration through education, training, and awareness-raising initiatives.
  • The country plans to develop a "National Action Plan for Human Rights in Austria" and a "comprehensive Strategy to prevent and combat all forms of racism, xenophobia, radicalization, and violent extremism."
  • The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) has praised Austria's positive measures to promote integration and counter discrimination, including legislative changes to promote LGBTI equality.

However, it is important to note that challenges remain. Reports indicate high levels of Islamophobia, political speech targeting Muslims and refugees, and underreporting of hate crimes. Additionally, there are concerns about institutional harassment and attacks against anti-racism advocates and certain racial groups, particularly Muslims.

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Austria's commitment to anti-racism

Austria has shown its commitment to anti-racism through various measures and initiatives. The country recognises the fundamental principle of equal dignity and rights for all people, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Austrian Federal Constitution. Additionally, Austria is a state party to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, demonstrating its pledge to combat discrimination based on colour or ethnic origin.

Austria has taken concrete steps to address racism and xenophobia, including promoting equal treatment, combating stereotypes, and fostering integration. The country has strengthened its criminal protection against discrimination and hate crimes and established comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, which is continually improved. Austria also supports the work of international organisations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, in their efforts to combat racism and promote human rights.

One notable initiative is the establishment of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) by the Council of Europe in 2002. ECRI is tasked with monitoring legislation and proposing improvements to combat racism and intolerance in member states. Austria has also shown its commitment by actively participating in United Nations conferences and meetings aimed at combating racism, discrimination, and intolerance worldwide.

Furthermore, Austria has taken steps to address racism at the national level. The country has implemented the National Action Plan Integration, which includes measures in the fields of education, training, and awareness-raising to combat racism. Additionally, the Austrian government has prioritised the fight against racism in its policy agenda, demonstrating its dedication to creating a more inclusive society.

However, it is important to acknowledge that despite these efforts, racism still persists in Austria. Reports from organisations like ZARA, an Austrian NGO providing counselling to victims and witnesses of racist incidents, indicate a significant number of racist attacks and incidents in the country. These reports highlight the ongoing challenges and the need for continued commitment to anti-racism efforts.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there is racism in Austria. In 2021, there were nearly 2,000 racist attacks in the country, with over half of them taking place online. In 2020, the number of recorded racist incidents in Austria was even higher, with 3,039 reports made to the anti-racism initiative ZARA.

Austria has taken steps to combat racism and xenophobia, including strengthening criminal protection against discrimination and hate crimes, adopting comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, and promoting equal treatment and integration. Additionally, organizations like ZARA - Civil Courage and Anti-Racism Work provide counselling to victims and witnesses of racist incidents and release annual reports on racism in the country.

According to ZARA's 2021 report, there were 273 racist attacks in public places and 185 people faced racist treatment in the service and entertainment sectors. Additionally, there were 112 racist attacks in public institutions and organizations, and 104 racist attacks in the workplace. Women, especially those perceived as Muslim, are disproportionately affected by racist incidents in public places.

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