Publication
Inside a danish bus with ribbon signaling distance

Hate in public space during the COVID-19 epidemic - an analysis of minority experiences

The Danish Institute of Human Rights has analyzed the experiences of minorities in hate speech in the public space during the COVID-19 epidemic.

As a crisis, the COVID-19 epidemic has led to significant limitations and regulations for how people move in public space. Both the imposed restrictions and the fear of infection spread have led many to warn that the epidemic could lead to a wave of hatred and fear. In both Danish and international media, there have been stories of people who have been exposed to hatred in public space because of their skin colour or ethnicity.

The Danish Institute for Human Rights has a mandate to promote equal treatment and monitor human rights, as well as to fight discrimination. The institute has therefore carried out a study of minority experiences of hate in
public space during the COVID-19 epidemic, e.g. violence, threats, harassment, shouting or negative comments motivated by hatred or dislike towards minorities because of their ethnicity, skin colour, disability, sexuality, gender characteristics, gender identity or gender expression.

The study is focusing on adoptees adopted from abroad, ethnic minorities, LGBTI+ people and people with disabilities. The study consists of three parts: 1) a survey sent to the four minority groups through social media with approx. 2,000 responses, 2) ten interviews with people about their experiences (four of which stories are presented in a brief portrait) and 3) a brief review of the human rights and national protection of minorities in Danish legislation.

The publication is only available in Danish with an English resume - read it here.

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