Germany's Anti-Discrimination Agency reported a record 11,405 discrimination complaints in 2024, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year. The data reveals that 43% of complaints were due to racism, with significant numbers also regarding disability (27%) and gender (24%). Commissioner Ferda Ataman linked this rise to the normalization of racist dialogue, especially among supporters of extreme right-wing parties. She noted that actual incidents are likely underreported, as many experience discrimination silently. Furthermore, Ataman criticized Germany's General Equal Treatment Act, labeling it one of Europe's weakest anti-discrimination laws, highlighting gaps in legal protection.
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.
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).
In 2024, the agency received 11,405 complaints about discrimination -- the highest number ever recorded, and a six percent rise compared to the previous year.
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