NGO network the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) carried out a report on racism and discrimination in the context of migration across 26 EU countries, and when it comes to Sweden, researchers concluded that while the country appears to be more progressive than other EU nations on immigration, the tide is turning.
The report highlights examples of attacks on migrants, anti-migrant discourse, and far-right vigilante activity in Sweden.
"In terms of immigration and integration policies it appears that Sweden is more progressive than other countries, but the tide is also turning.
A number of restrictions to existing migration and integration policies have been introduced, and the media discourse has shifted from positive welcoming of refugees and asylum seekers to portraying migration, and by extension, migrants, as a problem," ENAR press spokesperson Georgina Siklossy told The Local.
"This also has an impact on people who have lived in Sweden for two or three generations and continue to be regarded as 'alien elements'," she added.
Citing figures recorded by the Kantor Center, the report notes that 43 arson attacks against asylum seeker accommodation occurred in Sweden in 2015, while in 2016 a group of black-clad masked men assaulted people who looked 'foreign' in Stockholm. [The Local] Read more
