_{Women participated in a protest arranged by “Stand up to Racism” outside the French Embassy in London on August 26, 2016, opposing the prohibition of burkini on French beaches. Photo}

According to its annual report published today, France’s human rights commission, the CNCDH, stated that racism and intolerance are increasing in France, driven by the Israeli war against the Palestinians in Gaza and the prevalence of far-right ideas in public discourse, Middle East Monitor reports on June 27th.

Read more: Arab and Muslim Professionals Exit France

The year 2023 was marked by a strong progression in the rejection of the Other, whether in opinions or in acts,

the CNCDH reported.

The far-right National Rally (RN) is currently leading in the polls for the upcoming legislative election, with a platform that seeks to restrict the rights of immigrants in France. According to the CNCDH, this stance directly opposes the principles of equality, fraternity, and freedom enshrined in the French constitution and is likely to bolster racist sentiments.

As Reuters noted, the RN secured 88 seats in the 2022 legislative election, making it the second-largest party in parliament. Additionally, it won 30 seats in the European Parliament in the recent EU election earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Macron’s government has moved to the right on matters of security, identity, and immigration.

The immigration law that was proposed by the government in February 2023 and contained echoes of [the RN’s idea] the ‘national preference’ and the debates surrounding it, amplified the xenophobic trend,

– said the commission.

The concept of “national preference” suggests that French citizens should be prioritized for jobs, benefits, and housing over foreigners. However, 69% of French citizens do not support this idea.

The Israel-Palestinian conflict regularly triggers [anti-Semitic] acts, which peak in relation to the operations carried out by the Israeli army in Palestinian territories,

– CNCDH explained.

Reports of anti-Muslim anti-Semitic incidents in France have surged by 284% and 29%, respectively, while other types of racist acts have risen by 21%.

Middle East Monitor, Reuters, CNCDH and agencies