On the 21 march, the persistent and pervasive nature of racial discrimination continues to harm marginalised communities around the world. We cannot ignore the links between racial discrimination and the global injustices happening right now, particularly the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The violent events unfolding in Gaza have not only resulted in the killing of thousands of lives, but they have also amplified Islamophobic and anti-Arab sentiments in Europe. The rhetoric surrounding the conflict has been used to stoke division, further marginalising Muslim communities and fueling racist hate crimes.
This week at the European Parliament marked Anti-Racism and Diversity Week, an opportunity to promote values based on equality and inclusion. Left MEP Rima Hassan, co-Chair of The European Parliament Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup (La France Insoumise, France) highlighted the intentional element in genocide, which is crucial in distinguishing between war crimes and crimes against humanity: “This intentionality lies at the heart of the definition of genocide, providing a framework for understanding. For decades, Palestinians have been dehumanised, compared to insects that must be crushed, and the Palestinian issue has been subjected to animalisation.”
From the streets of Paris to Berlin and Madrid, we’ve seen protests met with backlash, and Muslim citizens unfairly blamed. This xenophobic reaction is not just an isolated occurrence; it is part of a broader, systemic rise in far-right ideologies that use global crises to deepen racial divides.
In Europe, with the rise of the far right, the scapegoating of refugees, migrants, and Muslims has intensified. In 2024, a survey by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) showed that 47% of Muslims in 13 EU countries reported experiencing discrimination over the previous five years, up from 39% in 2016. In France, for example, anti-Muslim hate incidents spiked following escalations in Gaza, with many reports of violent attacks, discrimination, and harassment targeting Muslim communities.
The fight against racism must be intersectional. It must connect struggles for racial justice at home with the struggles against imperialism, occupation, and war abroad. We must resist the divide-and-conquer strategies that far-right movements use.
Education, solidarity, and collective action are crucial. Supporting refugees, standing in solidarity with those affected by violence, and amplifying the voices of those oppressed are key to countering the forces of hate.
Let us use this day to reaffirm our commitment to building a world where justice and equality are not just ideals, but lived realities for all people, regardless of their race, religion, or background.