Muslim Patients in Europe Face Growing Discrimination in Healthcare, Reports Commission
The Thursday report highlights incidents where Muslim individuals encounter difficulties accessing medical appointments and face accusations that their symptoms are "culturally induced."
Specifically, the report sheds light on instances where medical staff allegedly treated Muslim patients, particularly women, with disrespect and discrimination. These healthcare providers suggested that symptoms were somehow linked to cultural factors. Such experiences have raised serious concerns about equitable access to medical attention, The National News reported.
The backdrop for this discrimination is a political landscape marked by the ascent of far-right movements across Europe. Recent European Parliament elections underscored a shift within the 27-member bloc, as right-leaning parties secured additional seats.
Read More:
In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party surged to second place, capturing approximately 16 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, in France, the far-right's rise was so pronounced that President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the national parliament and called for snap elections. The far-right secured a third of the 31 seats, more than double the support garnered by Macron's party.
The ECRI report also highlights policy decisions that exacerbate discrimination. France's ban on schoolgirls wearing the abaya (a traditional religious garment) has drawn criticism. Similarly, Germany's Baden-Wuerttemberg state has prohibited full-face coverings for all schoolchildren.
“Persons wearing visible religious symbols or traditional clothing were at times represented as being associated with terrorism or extremism. It has been particularly the case of Muslim schoolgirls in some countries," the report said.
Read More:
Meanwhile, hate incidents have multiplied following the start of war in Gaza on October 7.
ECRI expresses serious concern about the rise of anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination in Europe. The commission calls on Council of Europe member states to actively implement its policies to combat these troubling trends. Additionally, the report highlights a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, with occurrences over the past three months far exceeding typical annual reports in some countries.
Source: Agencies
