Fact Sheet on Ethnic Profiling in Europe

Pervasive use of ethnic and religious stereotypes by law enforcement across Europe is harming efforts to combat crime and terrorism, and alienating communities. Police and law enforcement officers are using ethnic profiling when they view people as suspicious because of who they are, what they look like, or where they pray, rather than because of what they have done

This fact sheet, prepared by European Network Against Racism and the Open Society Justice Initiative, explains the practice of ethnic profiling across Europe. It begins by defining ethnic profiling, and outlines the applicable European and international nondiscrimination standards. Following sections outline key themes in the debates surrounding the issue and explore why this debate is both controversial and topical. The fact sheet then describes different types of ethnic profiling practices, and explores the impact of ethnic profiling on individuals, communities and policing, also providing two cases studies on ways to address ethnic profiling.

The fact sheet is available for download in Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish.