Islamophobia in Belgium. National Report 2016

As with previous years Islamophobia in Belgium has continued to grow through- out the country in 2016. The most notable peak in anti-Muslim hate arose in the weeks following the Brussels terror attacks at Zavantem Airport and Maalbeek metro station on 22 March, 2016. The climate of anti-Muslim prejudice and hate in the period after the attacks was fueled by political figures and the Belgian media alike; most notably flagrant claims of Muslims celebrating the attacks contributed to exac- erbating Islamophobia. Islamophobia continued to affect Muslims, presumed Muslims, those linked to Muslims and Muslim sites. However, Belgian Muslim women faced the bulk of Is- lamophobia throughout the country over the course of the year. This discrimination was present at numerous levels: Muslim women faced physical and verbal attacks, they were the subject of political scaremongering, they faced legal limitations on their dress, and even deprivation of their right to education and employment. In spite of these worrying developments in 2016, Belgian NGOs maintain a strong counter-presence, and lead projects directly related to the inequalities and Islamophobic prejudices that have become apparent in Belgium in 2016.