Ukrainian refugees are treated better in the EU than those arriving from other countries

The Council of Europe has stated that there is a difference in attitude towards refugees from different countries – Ukrainians are treated much better.

This difference is especially visible in comparison with the attitude towards Muslim refugees, writes D.W. The annual report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, one of the structures of the Council of Europe, states that Ukrainians who fled the Russian armed invasion of their country are treated better in Europe than refugees fleeing wars and disasters in other regions.

EC report made public on Thursday 20 June. The document notes the “commendable efforts” made to support Ukrainians after the war that began in February 2022. However, it is stated that Attitudes towards Ukrainians vary depending on their ethnicity. For example, the quality of housing offered to Roma with Ukrainian citizenship is lower than that offered to other Ukrainians.

Following the outbreak of Russia's war against Ukraine, the African Union expressed concern over reports that African citizens in Ukraine were being denied the right to safely cross borders. Significant differences are also noted in the quality of reception centers and services for Ukrainians and asylum seekers from other countries and regions, the report states.

There are currently about 6 million Ukrainian refugees in Europe. The Council of Europe called for equal treatment of refugees. The EC report emphasizes that all refugees should receive the same protection, regardless of their nationality, color or religion. The authors of the report acknowledged the manifestations of anti-Ukrainian sentiments in Europe, but emphasized that in general the attitude of society and politicians towards them is good. At the same time, politicians are much more likely to make hostile statements against migrants from other countries.

The authors of the report note a rise in anti-Muslim incidents following the October 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian radical Hamas movement. The document says:

“Muslims are blamed for this attack, stereotyping entire communities and their perceived contacts with violence. In some countries EU There has been a noticeable increase in the number of public statements hostile towards migrants and Muslims.”

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