Human Rights First Staff

2008 Hate Crime Survey Human Rights First Staff

The 2008 Hate Crime Survey examines the reality of violent hate crimes motivated by racism and xenophobia, antisemitism, anti-Muslim bias, religious intolerance, anti-Roma bias, and homophobia: Violent hate crimes motivated by racism and xenophobia rose significantly in at least 12 countries; In 2007, overall levels of violent antisemitic attacks increased in at least five countries; Violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity bias is a significant portion of violent hate crimes overall and is characterized by levels of physical violence that in some cases exceeds those present in other hate crimes; Although there is ample evidence of violence targeting Muslims across Europe and North America, only five governments publicly report on violent incidents motivated by this form of bias. This Survey also examines critical elements of an effective government response: official monitoring and public reporting as well as adequate legislation and its implementation.