Skyrocketing Inquiries to Germany's Anti-Discrimination Agency in 2021
Anti-discrimination complaints have experienced a significant surge, with over two-fold increases reported since 2019.
Germany's Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (FADA) has seen a staggering surge in inquiries compared to 2019, according to the annual report presented by the Independent Federal Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Ferda Ataman, in Berlin. With a whopping 11,405 inquiries last year, the number is more than twice what it was in 2019 – a concerning sign of the growing issue of discrimination in the nation.
Ataman expressed her concerns about the uptick in discrimination cases becoming brazen. By and large, these discrimination incidents go unreported, with Ataman estimating a high "dark figure." Studies suggest that one out of every three people in Germany has already experienced discrimination, primarily affecting women.
The annual report revealed that a significant proportion of the inquiries focused on racist discrimination, with over 43% of cases. This percentage represents a more than tripling of consultation cases compared to 2019. In addition, 27% of inquiries were about disadvantages due to a disability or a chronic illness.
Other areas of discrimination in the report included disadvantages due to gender (24%), age (12%), religion (7%), and sexual identity (4%). It's important to note that the sexual harassment cases counted within the gender category.
While specific statistics on inquiries to the FADA since 2019 are scarce, it's clear that discrimination remains a pressing issue not only in Germany but across the globe. Various forms of discrimination, including racism, antisemitism, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, are of grave concern in many societies.
In Germany, antisemitism has been a particular focus of attention and concern, especially in higher education institutions. The University of Bremen, for example, has an emphasis on anti-discrimination policies and services, reflecting a growing societal awareness of these issues.
If you're interested in obtaining detailed statistics on inquiries to the FADA, you may need to consult their official reports or contact them directly. While the data is critical in understanding the trends, it also highlights the importance of fostering an environment where people feel comfortable coming forward and reporting their experiences in order to combat discrimination effectively.
The surge in inquiries at Germany's Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, with a record 11,405 cases in 2021, indicates a need for revision in community and employment policies, given the rising concerns about discrimination in German society. This worrying trend in politics and general-news reveals that forms of discrimination such as racism, antisemitism, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community are prevalent issues not just in Germany but globally.
