Structural racism is a product of a system in which public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations, and other norms work in various ways to perpetuate racial inequity, and has been a feature of the social, economic, and political systems in which we all exist.

The EU and most national policy frameworks almost entirely overlook the existence of structural inequalities aligned to race, ethnicity and religion. ENAR is therefore organising and advocating for national and EU policies to address structural racism.

Without measuring the extent of discrimination and inequalities in Europe, it is difficult to tackle them effectively. Equality data can provide powerful tools against discrimination and exclusion. We are calling for more data to measure discrimination and ensure equality in outcome.

Every day ethnic and religious minorities face racist crimes across the EU. They are not targeted randomly by perpetrators, but simply because of who they are or perceived as. Racist crimes must be reported, recorded, investigated, prosecuted and result in criminal sanctions.

Counter-terrorism measures and policing practices can be discriminatory and have a disproportionate and damaging impact on racialised groups in Europe. We need inclusive security and policing policies grounded in human rights, equality and social inclusion.

Discrimination is a major obstacle for ethnic and religious minorities and migrants in Europe. Employment is the main path to social inclusion and ethnic and religious minorities must therefore have the possibility to fully participate in the labour market.

It is not a coincidence or a geo-physical accident that racialised communities are amongst the hardest hit by the climate crisis, worldwide including in Europe. Often, their disproportionate exposure is a result of interactions between climactic changes and structural racism, resulting in racialised people being denied employment, income, a healthy and safe environment and access to political decision-making.

Migrants in the European Union face human rights violations and discrimination as well as xenophobic violence which is fuelled by hate speech. The fight against racism has become a top priority in the current migration and integration debate.

People of African descent in Europe experience widespread racism and discrimination in all areas of life, including employment, education, policing and the criminal justice system. Recognising and addressing Afrophobia is essential to ensure their inclusion.

Roma in Europe are denied basic human rights and experience widespread discrimination. Structural racism against Roma, known as Antigypsyism, is a root cause of their exclusion across Europe. Tackling this is essential to ensure Roma can become equal citizens in European societies.

Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim face discrimination, stigmatisation and exclusion in all areas of life such as employment, education, vocational training, but also racist violence and speech, especially online. Islamophobia is a specific form of racism that must be tackled.

Antisemitism is still a reality for many European Jews, who increasingly experience insults, discrimination, harassment, attacks against properties and physical violence. Antisemitism must be combatted to ensure well-being, security and equality of outcome of Jews in Europe.