The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights surveyed 6 752 people of African descent in 13 countries. Unfortunately, the results of the survey do not bring positive news, as nearly half of them have experienced discrimination.

As theguardian.com reports, racism is pervasive and growing in Europe. Almost half of the black people surveyed in EU member states experienced discrimination. It manifested itself through verbal abuse, insults, ridicule and even ended up with landlords blocking rental accommodation.

The Fundamental Rights Agency conducted a survey in 13 EU countries. People of African descent living in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden were interviewed. Unfortunately, as many as 45% of the respondents said that they regularly experience racial discrimination. It is worth noting that in 2016, the same survey found that 39% of black people had experienced racism.

The Guardian also reports that black people experience racial discrimination in every area of life. From schools, to the labour market, housing and healthcare. The worst findings were shown in Austria and Germany, where far-right governments are growing in strength.

Michael O'Flaherty, director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, said the findings were "shameful". He also called on all EU countries to collect equality data, including on ethnicity or race, to further tackle the problem.

"It is shocking to see no improvement since our last survey in 2016. Instead, people of African descent face ever more discrimination just because of the colour of their skin. Racism and discrimination should have no place in our societies. The EU and its member states should use these findings to better target their efforts and ensure people of African descent, too, can enjoy their rights freely without racism and discrimination," said O’Flaherty in a statement to the media.

Source: The Guardian