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Local Germany
2 days ago
- General
- Local Germany
Record number of complaints received by Germany's Anti-Discrimination Agency
Germany's Anti-Discrimination Agency published it's latest annual report on Tuesday, and the results made for grim reading. In 2024, the agency received 11,405 complaints about discrimination -- the highest number ever recorded, and a six percent rise compared to previous year. In 2019, the year before the Covid pandemic, the number of complaints received was 4,247. At 43 percent, the majority of complaints were about racist discrimination, followed by discrimination based on disability (27 percent) and gender (24 percent). Announcing the publication of the report, Ferda Ataman, the Independent Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, drew a clear line between the rise in the number of cases and the creeping normalisation of racist and discriminatory discourse. 'Discrimination is a growing problem in Germany,' warned the commissioner. 'With the rising number of votes for a party of the extreme right, it seems that more and more people feel encouraged to make racist comments in public.' Ataman added that the true number of cases – rather than the number of cases reported – is likely to be far higher, because 'most of those affected keep discrimination to themselves.' German protections are 'the weakest in Europe' According to Ataman, Germany's General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) is 'one of the weakest anti-discrimination laws in Europe.' Discrimination on the basis of nationality, for example, is not protected directly under Germany's General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). However, it can be considered indirect racial discrimination in some cases. Advertisement In 2024, around 2,350 complaints about discrimination involved incidents that were not covered by the current law. READ ALSO: Levels of racism and discrimination in Germany revealed in new survey Room for improvement The report identifies three areas for immediate action, including an urgent need for nationality to be included in the AGG as a ground for discrimination -- noting that the present loophole may have the unintended effect of encouraging anti-Semitic and anti-Roma discrimination. The commissioners also want to see the AGG extended to apply to government agencies. Currently, the authors suggest, citizens are inadequately protected against discrimination in government offices, in interactions with the police, in court, and in public schools and universities. In 2024, 25 percent of complaints received by the Anti-Discrimination Agency were connected with government agencies. Passers-by walk across a street in Munich's Haidhausen district in the early hours of the morning. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Peter Kneffel Finally, the commissioners are calling for greater accessibility and protection against digital discrimination, amid concerns that AI systems and algorithms can disadvantage older people and people with disabilities. Discrimination at work and in everyday life One in three complaints received by the Anti-Discrimination Agency is related to incidents that occur during job searches, job interviews, at work, or when leaving employment. The report focusses particularly on experiences of workplace discrimination based on gender and suggests that women are frequently affected by poor pay, lack of career opportunities, and sexual harassment. 'Gender-based discrimination is still deeply rooted in our society—and it is on the rise again,' said Commissioner Ataman. The report also makes clear that acts of discrimination can take place anywhere, at any time. Twenty-two percent of cases reported involved everyday activities such as flat hunting, visiting restaurants, or shopping, for example. Advertisement In one instance, described by Commissioner Ataman, a Muslim woman in Nuremberg was turned away from a doctor's practice with the words, 'We don't want people like you here.' In another case, a Mahmoud Z. applied for an apartment under the name Stefan H. According to the report, Mahmoud had already been turned down for more than 20 apartments, often without even being invited to a viewing. Mahmoud conducted his 'test' on the advice of the Anti-Discrimination Agency, to see whether his name was a contributory factor in his lack of success. Sure enough, 'Stefan' was invited to view an apartment that 'Mahmoud' had been told was no longer available. If there is a silver-lining to be found, it's that the apparent year-on-year rise in discrimination complaints may reflect an increase in the number of people who are aware of their rights, and have the courage to try and enforce them. If you have experienced discrimination in Germany, the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency provides free, confidential counselling in a variety of languages. READ ALSO: What to do if you experience racism in Germany
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
In Germany, discrimination is on the rise
AI- Generated Image Last year, the Anti-Discrimination Agency received a record number of complaints from individuals like Mahmoud, who was desperately searching for an apartment and yet was rarely invited to view potential properties. In contrast, his German friend Stefan was invited to view an apartment that had supposedly already been taken. Other cases of alleged discrimination include a gay couple who were told by Germany's child welfare agency that they had a "pathological, unnatural web of relationships," and a trainee at a logistics company who repeatedly became the victim of aggressive sexual harassment by a colleague. All of these people contacted the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency in 2024 to report their experiences of discrimination. "Discrimination is a growing problem in Germany. We have a massive problem with racism. We have a massive problem with sexism. And there is a huge reluctance to allow people with disabilities to participate equally," says Ferda Ataman, the independent federal anti-discrimination commissioner. However, Ataman also believes that the increase in requests for advice is a sign of trust in the rule of law, as more and more people are "aware of their rights and are standing up against discrimination." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Economic Storm Warning for Australia Fat Tail Daily Learn More Undo This is particularly true when it comes to racism. Last year, more than 3,800 people reported incidents of racism — almost half of all complaints received by the Anti-Discrimination Agency. Racism remains the most common form of discrimination Ayman Qasarwa is the managing director of DaMOst, the umbrella organization for migrant organizations in eastern Germany. In the annual report of the Anti-Discrimination Agency, he describes the experiences of those affected by racism: "Migrant youth experience racist harassment in schools most often, and they often don't have anyone competent to turn to for help." Black women and women who wear headscarves are also targets of racist hostility. "They are verbally abused on the street, spat on, or attacked, and sometimes their headscarves are torn off." These experiences also occur in the workplace. "For example, female doctors in hospitals hear patients say, 'I don't want to be treated by that woman,'" says Qasarwa. Women in the workplace: sexism and career disadvantages Women of color often face double discrimination. In 2024, there were 2,133 reports of gender discrimination — more than twice as many as just five years ago. "Gender discrimination is still deeply rooted in our society — and it's on the rise again," says Ferda Ataman. People primarily seek support for issues related to discrimination in the workplace. Women frequently experience sexual harassment there, including obscene gestures, intrusive stares, unwanted touching, and emails with sexual content. But other examples include being passed over for promotions because of pregnancy or parental leave. Often, women are not given the same job opportunities. Muslim women who wear headscarves are particularly affected by this, as their applications are often disregarded. Same job, less money: a mayor's successful lawsuit Women in Germany still earn less than men in the workplace, on average 16% less. The main reasons for the wage gap are that women are more likely to work part-time or in professions that are critical to society and yet are not well paid, such as nursing. But even when women do exactly the same job as men, they may still find themselves taking home less money at the end of the month. This was the case for Astrid Siems-Knoblich, who, as mayor of Müllheim in Baden-Württemberg, earned less than her male predecessor and her male successor — and successfully sued for equal pay. "I didn't do this just for myself, but for all women who are also affected by this kind of discrimination," she writes in the Anti-Discrimination Agency's annual report. "Equal pay is ultimately a basic right, and no one in our country should be afraid to demand their basic rights." 'A reform of the Non-Discrimination Act is long overdue' "Anti-discrimination legislation has never been more important. The government must take decisive action against discrimination and reform the Non-Discrimination Act," demands Ataman. "In Germany, parking violations are punished more severely than discrimination against other people." The law, which was passed in 2006 and is therefore almost 20 years old, was a milestone in terms of anti-discrimination, but it has not been reformed ever since and, according to Ataman, it is no longer up to date. This is because it does not cover discrimination by state institutions: government offices and authorities, the judiciary, state schools, or the police. "We currently have the absurd situation where people are better protected against discrimination in the supermarket than at school or in government offices," she said, urging swift action to remedy this. "Discrimination is not just a problem for those who experience it. Discrimination harms the economy, endangers democracy, and threatens our constitutional state as a whole."
DW
4 days ago
- General
- DW
In Germany, discrimination is on the rise – DW – 06/03/2025
In 2024, more than 11,000 people contacted the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency — mainly to report racism or sexism. These figures are higher than ever before. Last year, the Anti-Discrimination Agency received a record number of complaints from individuals like Mahmoud, who was desperately searching for an apartment and yet was rarely even invited to view potential properties, unlike his German friend Stefan, who was even invited to view an apartment that had supposedly already been taken. Or the gay couple that the Child Welfare Agency accuses of having a "pathological, unnatural web of relationships." Or the trainee at a logistics company who repeatedly became the victim of aggressive sexual harassment by a colleague. All of these people contacted the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency in 2024 to report their experiences of discrimination. "Discrimination is a growing problem in Germany. We have a massive problem with racism. We have a massive problem with sexism. And there is a huge reluctance to allow people with disabilities to participate equally," says Ferda Ataman, Independent Federal Anti-Discrimination Commissioner. Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination Ferda Ataman says that in Germany, parking violations are punished more severely than discrimination against other people Image: Kay Nietfeld/dpa/picture alliance However, Ataman also believes that the increase in requests for advice is a sign of trust in the rule of law, as more and more people are "aware of their rights and are standing up against discrimination." This is particularly true when it comes to racism. Last year, more than 3,800 people reported incidents of racism — almost half of all complaints received by the Anti-Discrimination Agency. Racism remains the most common form of discrimination Ayman Qasarwa is the managing director of DaMOst, the umbrella organization for migrant organizations in eastern Germany. In the annual report of the Anti-Discrimination Agency, he describes the experience of those affected by racism: "It is migrant youth who experience racist harassment in schools most often, and they often don't have anyone competent to turn to for help." Black women and women who wear headscarves are also targets of racist hostility. "They are verbally abused on the street, spat on, or attacked, and sometimes their headscarves are torn off." These experiences also occur in the workplace. "For example, female doctors in hospitals hear patients say, 'I don't want to be treated by that woman,'" says Qasarwa. Women in the workplace: sexism and career disadvantages Women of color often face double discrimination. In 2024, there were 2,133 reports of gender discrimination — more than twice as many as just five years ago. "Gender discrimination is still deeply rooted in our society — and it's on the rise again," says Ferda Ataman. People primarily seek support for issues related to discrimination in the workplace. Women frequently experience sexual harassment there, including obscene gestures, intrusive stares, unwanted touching, and emails with sexual content. But other examples include being passed over for promotions because of pregnancy or parental leave. Often, women are not given the same job opportunities. Muslim women who wear headscarves are particularly affected by this, as their applications are often disregarded. Racism in the workplace To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Same job, less money: a mayor's successful lawsuit And women in Germany still earn less than men in the workplace, on average 16% less. The main reasons for the wage gap are that women are more likely to work part-time or in professions that are critical to society and yet are not well paid, such as nursing. But even when women do exactly the same job as men, they may still find themselves taking home less money at the end of the month. This was the case for Astrid Siems-Knoblich, who, as mayor of Müllheim in Baden-Württemberg, earned less than her male predecessor and her male successor — and successfully sued for equal pay. "I didn't do this just for myself, but for all women who are also affected by this kind of discrimination," she writes in the Anti-Discrimination Agency's annual report. "Equal pay is ultimately a basic right, and no one in our country should be afraid to demand their basic rights." Black Lives in Germany: The hidden and overt faces of racism To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'A reform of the Non-Discrimination Act is long overdue' "Anti-discrimination legislation has never been more important. The government must take decisive action against discrimination and reform the Non-Discrimination Act," demands Ferda Ataman, Independent Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination. "In Germany, parking violations are punished more severely than discrimination against other people." The law, which was passed in 2006 and is therefore almost 20 years old, was a milestone in terms of anti-discrimination, but it has not been reformed ever since and, according to Ataman, is no longer up to date. This is because it does not cover discrimination by state institutions: government offices and authorities, the judiciary, state schools, or the police. "We currently have the absurd situation where people are better protected against discrimination in the supermarket than at school or in government offices." The Independent Federal Anti-Discrimination Commissioner has therefore called for action: "Discrimination is not just a problem for those who experience it. Discrimination harms the economy, endangers democracy, and threatens our constitutional state as a whole," she says. This article was originally written in German. While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.
