Sweden looks for solutions to curb tensions with migrant communities

World Today

With the refugee population growing in the Swedish city Malmo, misunderstandings involving the Muslim community are on the rise. Refugees are also being blamed for an increase in gang violence and various social problems. This time, integration is the key to resolving the issues.

CCTV’s Dan Williams reports the story.
Follow Dan Williams on Twitter @Danielclearcut

Malmo’s city center has undergone a transformation in recent years. But some outlying areas continue to face a range of challenges. Rosengard has a reputation for gang violence and social problems. A rash of car burnings led to the area being called ‘no-go zone’. Zoran Markovic is in charge of community policing here. He said such labels are simply wrong and that crime is on the decrease.

Some sections in Sweden have blamed the social issues on the country’s growing refugee population. The Muslim community said those claims are mistaken and has led to an increase in hate crime.

One key issue has been integration. But some groups are attempting to change that. At Yalla Trappan – a restaurant and catering service that employs women from all ethnic groups.

Salah Dulani is from Lebanon. She tells me this is the first job she has had since arriving in the country in 1989. It is a similar story for most of the employees here.