By Martin Banks - 22nd April 2009
Our survey reveals how the 'dark figure' of racist crime and discrimination really is in the EU
Morten Kjaerum
Racist crime in member states is 'far more widespread' than previously thought, according to a new report published on Wednesday
A Brussels press conference was told that official data represents only the "tip of the iceberg" and that a "large number" of incidents go unreported.
This is the key finding of a major study on immigrant and ethnic minority groups' experiences of discrimination and racist crime.
The study, by the EU agency for fundamental rights (FRA), calls on member state governments to tackle the problem by promoting the reporting and recording of discrimination and racist crime and by fully applying anti-discrimination laws.
FRA director Morten Kjaerum said, "Our survey reveals how the 'dark figure' of racist crime and discrimination really is in the EU."
The survey of 23,500 immigrants showed that 55 per cent think that discrimination based on ethnic origin is widespread in their country.
Some 37 per cent say they have personally experienced discrimination in the past year and 12 per cent have experienced racist crime. However, 80 per cent of these did not report the incident to the police.
When asked the reason why, 64 per cent said they believed nothing would happen or change if they reported the incident.
The Roma emerge as the most vulnerable, reporting the highest levels of discrimination.
Kjaerum added, "Discrimination is an everyday experience for the Roma."
He said one of the solutions was awareness-raising and "rigorous" sanctions against those who discriminate against the Roma and other groups.
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