The number of victims who turned to the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency for advice more than doubled last year compared to 2019. This is according to the annual report of the Independent Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, Ferda Ataman, which she presented in Berlin on Tuesday. She called on the government to take a more decisive stance against discrimination and to tighten up legal provisions in this regard.
"Discrimination is a growing problem in Germany," and it is becoming increasingly rampant, Ataman expressed concern. According to the report, the Anti-Discrimination Agency received a total of 11,405 inquiries last year. In 2019, the last year before the coronavirus pandemic, the number was 4,247. Ataman pointed out that a high number of unreported cases is also likely. "Most of those affected accept discrimination as their own responsibility," she said.
According to studies, one in three people in Germany has experienced discrimination within the meaning of the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). The majority of these are women. "The number of women who have experienced discrimination has doubled in recent years," said the commissioner. The number of registered sexual harassment cases has also increased.
According to the annual report, 43 percent of inquiries from affected individuals to the Anti-Discrimination Agency last year concerned racial discrimination. The number of consultations in this area has more than tripled since 2019. The proportion of inquiries regarding discrimination due to a disability or chronic illness was 27 percent.
The proportion of inquiries regarding discrimination based on gender was reported at 24 percent. This also includes inquiries regarding sexual harassment. Twelve percent concern age-related discrimination, seven percent discrimination based on religion, and four percent based on sexual identity.
Among the total number, the proportion of cases relating to discrimination in working life, i.e., at work or during the job search, is very high at 33 percent. Among these cases, the proportion of gender-based discrimination is as high as 54 percent, Ataman said. "Unfortunately, sexual harassment is still part of working life in Germany," the commissioner said. In addition, there are disadvantages, for example, in promotions, often related to maternity or the compatibility of family and career.
This is followed by cases of discrimination related to services or goods, such as shopping, restaurants, apartment hunting, or hairdressers. According to the report, 25 percent of cases involve discrimination by government agencies, such as in dealings with government agencies or the police.
"We have a massive problem with racism, we have a massive problem with sexism," Ataman said, describing the development. Migrants are also affected. They have to listen to open comments at train stations, for example, like: "You'll be deported soon anyway." Many people are worried "more than ever about their safety" due to experiences of discrimination.
Discrimination has not only become more frequent, but also "much more unrestrained and open," Ataman said. She attributed this development to the rise of right-wing extremist and populist forces. In this context, she advocated for a ban on the AfD, which is at least partially right-wing extremist.
"In Germany, illegal parking is punished more consistently than discrimination against other people," Ataman criticized. The AGG is weaker than comparable legal regulations in other countries and, in some areas, does not even meet European minimum standards, she explained, justifying her call for a reform of the law. Further support for civil society initiatives, such as counseling services, is also important.
"The protection of minorities has never been more important," Ataman pointed out. "We defend democracy not only through rearmament, but also by protecting vulnerable groups." Ataman criticized the abolition of several government commissioners by the CDU/CSU and SPD, for example, on antigypsyism. The savings here are small, he said, but the impact on affected groups is significant.
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