Experts have expressed concerns in a report published today by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), following monitoring of racism and intolerance trends in Portugal.
Researchers highlight worries about “the rise of online hate speech” and inflammatory rhetoric used by some politicians.
“While no official and disaggregated data on hate speech incidents in Portugal exists, various credible reports from civil society organizations and other independent institutions indicate a sharp rise in hate speech in the country, predominantly targeting migrants, Roma, LGBTI individuals, and Black people,” the ECRI states, publishing a report on Portugal every five years.
The document notes that discussions with Portuguese interlocutors revealed a perception that “hate speech is becoming ‘normalized,’ often under the pretext of freedom of expression.”
ECRI is also worried about the increase in xenophobia and hate speech against migrants, which is more directed towards non-Europeans.
“Anti-migrant rhetoric is prevalent in political discussions, notably via misinformation linking migrants to criminal activity or as a burden on the Portuguese social security system,” the specialists assert.
They emphasize that “negative and hostile political narratives” concerning migration and xenophobic comments, particularly from politicians, “contradict the significant contribution of migrants to Portuguese society.”
This sixth ECRI report acknowledges improvements over the years, such as the 2021 approval of the first National Plan to Combat Racism and Discrimination (PNCRD), including actions specifically targeting hate speech and hate crimes.
The Penal Code was also amended last year to strengthen laws against incitement to discrimination, hatred, and violence, a change applauded by independent experts.
However, reports persist of hate-driven violence, at times involving neo-Nazi groups, in a country where “significant gaps” in legislation and police and judicial actions result in many complaints having no consequences for perpetrators.
The report also notes ongoing reports of racist abuse, including racial discrimination by the police.
Given this scenario, the experts recommend Portuguese authorities implement measures to improve relations and trust between the police and groups of concern to ECRI, including migrants, Black people, LGBTI individuals, and Roma.
The report examines the situation of irregular migrants, reminding that they must pay for healthcare except in cases of medical emergencies, public health risks, maternal-child health, reproductive health, vaccinations, and situations of social exclusion or severe economic hardship recognized by Social Security.
However, experts heard “numerous reports of practical difficulties in accessing healthcare,” such as staff unjustly denying service or instances of xenophobia.
ECRI calls for better training for professionals about the rights of irregular migrants and regular assessments to identify and prevent xenophobic behavior in the sector.
