CNCDH Report on racism anti-Semitism and xenophobia in France

This 21st of March 2006, international day for the Elimination of Racism, the CNCDH (Commission nationale consultative des droits de l’homme) handed back its annual report: « Rapport 2005 sur la lutte contre le racisme, l’antisémitisme, et la xénophobie », to french Prime-Minister Dominique de Villepin.

While 2004 stood for an increase of racist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic acts, 2005 displays another panorama. The report corroborates an overall 38% decrease of racist violence in 2005 compared to the 2004 figures. Conversely, the report also confirms a change of attitude indicating a growing trivialization of racism. Le Mondespeaks of a proper «liberation of racist speech».

According to a CSA survey, one Frenchman amongst three declares himself racist, which represents an increase of 8%. 56% Frenchmen think there are too many foreigners in their country. The report also pictures a decline in the civilian mobilization against racist acts.

The CNCDH report suggests an alternative interpretation of these figures by questioning the role of common antiracism in the increase of intolerance. As such, the report points out the generalization of racist incriminations through legal and judiciary obstinacy, thereby leading to a reverse effect.

Documents:

 Le Monde article, Racisme banalisé (21.03.06)

http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-3232,36-752987,0.html

 Observatoire du communautarisme website :

http://www.communautarisme.net

 Available extract of the Report on the website of la documentation française:

http://lesrapports.ladocumentationfrancaise.fr/BRP/064000264/0000.pdf

CNCDH Report on racism anti-Semitism and xenophobia in France (extract)