Spain's Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (Oberaxe) has reported a concerning number of hate speech messages targeting migrants, particularly those who entered the occupied city of Ceuta in July. In September, Oberaxe detected 96,270 instances of hate speech and discriminatory narratives. This represents a 4.7% decrease from August, when similar content generated 101,025 messages. Despite the slight decrease, the figures remain alarming, highlighting the xenophobia and racism migrants continue to face in Spain.
The majority of hate speech messages in September focused on the Ceuta migration crisis, which saw over 70,000 migrants enter the occupied city in July. According to Oberaxe data, 57% of the content analyzed was related to the crisis. Migrants, specifically those from North Africa, were the main targets of hate speech on social media, accounting for 80% of the content analyzed. This figure is eight percentage points higher than in August, indicating an increase in xenophobic sentiment.
Immigrants, in general, were the target of hate speech and discriminatory content in 19% of cases, followed by Muslims at 14%, women at 8%, people of African descent at 7%, and Latin Americans at 4%. The report also showed that messages portraying certain groups as a threat accounted for 41% of the total analyzed, while messages calling for the expulsion of targeted groups accounted for 12%. These statistics demonstrate the widespread nature of hate speech and discriminatory narratives in Spain.
The Oberaxe data also revealed that 58% of the content examined used explicit aggressive language characterized by insults, threats, or derogatory remarks directed at targeted groups. This aggressive language is concerning, as it can contribute to a hostile environment for migrants and other targeted groups. Furthermore, reports have documented physical assaults and mistreatment endured by migrants, including Moroccans, in the occupied city.
A recent report featured transcribed conversations from a recording obtained by Spanish media, highlighting the mistreatment of migrants by some soldiers. The audio, attributed to a group of soldiers, included a uniformed soldier boasting about slapping migrants, saying, "I'm going to try to slap him, and he'll move backward." The accounts also featured soldiers sarcastically commenting on the victims' abuse, with one soldier alleging that the migrants "seem to ask" to be beaten.
The hate speech messages and physical assaults on migrants have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants in Spain, particularly in the occupied city of Ceuta. The Spanish government and other stakeholders must address these issues to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. The Oberaxe report serves as a reminder of the need for continued monitoring and action to combat hate speech and discriminatory narratives.
The issue of hate speech and discriminatory narratives is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach to address its root causes. This includes promoting education, awareness, and tolerance, as well as implementing policies to prevent and punish hate speech and discriminatory behavior. By working together, stakeholders can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals.
Key points
- 96,270 hate speech messages were detected in Spain in September.
- 57% of the hate speech messages focused on the Ceuta migration crisis.
- Migrants from North Africa were the main targets of hate speech on social media, accounting for 80% of the content analyzed.
