Surge in Violent Racism in France: CNCDH Report Highlights Alarming Trends
The CNCDH's latest report reveals a significant rise in violent racist acts in France, with political rhetoric contributing to the escalating climate of hate.
Key Points
- • 9,350 xenophobic or anti-religious crimes reported in 2024, an 11% increase from 2023.
- • Violent acts have surged by 23%, totaling 525 incidents categorized as violence or threats.
- • 50% of reported acts are antisemitic; 44% categorized under other forms of racism.
- • The report links rising anti-immigrant sentiments to broader societal discrimination issues.
The 2024 report from the Commission nationale consultative des droits de l’homme (CNCDH), released on June 18, has underscored a significant escalation in racist and antisemitic acts in France. The report reveals that a disturbing total of 9,350 crimes or offenses stemming from xenophobia or religious intolerance were reported in 2024, representing an 11% increase from 2023’s 8,428 recorded incidents.
Particularly alarming is the rise in violent acts, where there was a 23% increase to 525 incidents classified as violence or threats. Reports also noted a 14% increase in threats overall. Pierre Tartakowsky, vice-president of the CNCDH, stated, "the notable fact is that acts of violence are becoming more severe."
Of the reported incidents, antisemitic acts accounted for 50%, while 6% were categorized as anti-Muslim. Additionally, 44% of the acts are linked to other forms of racism or xenophobia, reflecting a 15% rise in this category compared to the last year, indicating a broader spectrum of discrimination at play. The overall number of racist incidents has surged by 92% since 2022.
The report further emphasizes the growing occurrences of violence in public spaces and educational settings, linking the rising hostility to inflammatory rhetoric from politicians. Tartakowsky criticized terminology used by government officials, such as terms like "Mamadou" and "submersion migratoire," arguing that such language exacerbates xenophobia and can validate violent attitudes against immigrants and minority groups.
Moreover, the CNCDH's findings indicate a troubling correlation between anti-immigrant sentiments and various forms of discrimination, including against Jews, Muslims, and challenges to gender equality and LGBTI rights. This calls for urgent and effective public policy responses to mitigate the rising tide of racism and violence in society.