The issue of racism and xenophobia is a sensitive one, however, there seems to be have been increasing reports of such acts in 2005. Is racism and xenophobia on the increase and if so what will be done to prevent it? The Belgium 2005 Amnesty International Report reports many incidents of racism and xenophobia. This is not just a problem for Belgium but is a worldwide phenomenon.
Global: Is racism and xenophobia on the increase?
The Amnesty International Report for 2005 in Belgium highlights numerous incidents of racism and xenophobia. Jews experienced verbal insults, harassment and violent attacks. There were similar racist attacks directed at Arabs and Muslims, including asylum seekers.
A report by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in January 2005 suggested that Europe had made significant progress with regard to racism and xenophobia, but more work needed to be done.
Furthermore, the Amnesty International report stated that there were increasing complaints of police ill treatment from immigrant communities of Brussels. A number of people being deported experienced ill-treatment and excessive force and degrading treatment.
Many other countries and continents have had similar reports as that of Belgium in the past year. With increasing movement of people of different races from one country to another, perhaps greater emphasis and control should be placed on preventing acts of racism and xenophobia.
The Belgium Amnesty International Report, 2005 can be obtained from
http://web.amnesty.org/report2005/bel-summary-eng
* Posted by Mandlakazi Moetsoledi, Fahamu student intern.
* Please send comments to [email protected]
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