Soaring Threats and Prejudice against Sinti and Roma on the Rise in Germany
Rise in Intimidations and Discrimination Against Sinti and Roma Communities Reaches New Heights - Significant rise in threats and discriminatory actions against the Sinti and Roma communities observed
If you thought things were improving when it comes to discrimination, think again. In a disturbing trend, the number of threats and insults faced by Sinti and Roma communities in Germany has drastically increased.
Guillermo Ruiz, MIA managing director, made this startling revelation at a recent event in Berlin. He pointed out that while the increase can be partially attributed to the enhanced awareness of the reporting office, the situation is far from ideal. "There's still a huge dark field," Ruiz emphasized.
In total, 856 cases were documented in 2024, with nearly half consisting of verbal stereotyping - offensive statements that degrade and belittle Sinti and Roma communities. A staggering 40% represented instances of discrimination, frequently occurring in institutions like schools or the police department.
The findings don't stop there. There were 57 attacks, 50 threats, 37 cases of property damage, and an appalling 10 cases of extreme violence reported in 2024.
According to MIA, anti-Gypsyism affects almost every aspect of life for Sinti and Roma. A whopping 22% of the cases were reported in contact with authorities, notably the police. In educational settings, 313 cases were documented, and in the housing sector, there were 295.
Cases have also been reported in areas such as employment and public transportation. MIA director Ruiz criticized the anti-Gypsyist rhetoric in politics, particularly from representatives of the AfD.
The situation calls for immediate action, according to Ruiz. He called for financial stability for the MIA, which currently lacks long-term funding beyond 2025. Furthermore, he proposed reinforcing the office of the anti-Gypsyism commissioner and providing it with adequate resources.
Enter Michael Brand, the new anti-Gypsyism commissioner and a member of the CDU. Brand stated that the increase in cases is a clear signal to politicians, society, and institutions to actively counter this damaging trend. He emphasized that discrimination against any social group, including Sinti and Roma, should never be accepted.
The Federal Government is committed to fighting "exclusion, hatred, and incitement against individuals, groups, and society," according to Brand.
The Reporting and Information Office for Anti-Gypsyism started its work in 2021, and it receives funding from the Ministry of Family Affairs as part of their "Promoting Democracy!" program. People can confidentially report cases, even those below the threshold of criminality, online, by email, or by phone.
Just remember, the system is a reflection of society. It's up to each one of us to stand against discrimination and foster a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Sinti and RomaDiscriminationThreatMichael BrandCDUBerlinPolice
- In light of the rising discrimination against Sinti and Roma communities, Michael Brand, a member of the CDU and the new anti-Gypsyism commissioner in Berlin, has highlighted the need for immediate action.
- The general-news and crime-and-justice sectors in Germany have been faced with a markedly increased number of threats and instances of discrimination against Sinti and Roma, with the police department reporting a significant portion of these cases.
