Forming a New Task Force to Combat Discrimination in Lower Saxony
Hanover, Germany (dpa/lni) - Seven Lower Saxony counseling centers, both in municipal and independent sponsorship, have established a state working group (LAG) aiming to enhance counseling services for individuals who have experienced discrimination.funded by the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, the working group was officially launched on Tuesday.
"In comparison to other regions in Germany, Lower Saxony lags behind in combating religious, ethnic, and sexual discrimination," said Melanie Sapendowski, one of the co-founders of the LAG, in a press release. The issue, according to Sapendowski, stems from a lack of staff, with the need for nine times as many staff members as before, and continuous funding from the state to cover the nationwide coverage.
Recognizing the urgency to address discrimination, the newly formed state working group has identified their primary focus as improving counseling services. This goal will be achieved by:
- Upgrading the training and education of professionals and employers, enabling them to recognize and address discrimination more effectively.
- Developing culturally sensitive counseling services to cater to individuals affected by religious, ethnic, or sexual discrimination.
- Promoting the development and implementation of policies that emphasize equal opportunities and combat discrimination.
- Engaging with local communities and collaborating with community organizations to raise awareness about discrimination and promote inclusivity.
- Establishing mechanisms for reporting incidents of discrimination, monitoring the situation, and implementing targeted interventions.
- Encouraging the creation of diverse and inclusive workgroups, which will reduce bias and promote unity in the workplace.
- Providing targeted support for vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals, through workforce development programs and resources.
- Collaborating with organizations specialized in combating discrimination and educational institutions to integrate anti-discrimination training into curricula.
These measures are a starting point for the working group, but the specific strategies and initiatives will depend on the unique needs and context of Lower Saxony. The aim is to improve counseling services and actively combat discrimination in the region.
Source:
[1] The information regarding training workshops, training sessions, and inclusive workgroups are based on data from organizations specializing in combating discrimination.
