Anti-Discrimination Agency Records 13,067 Consultations - 15 Percent More Than the Previous Year

The Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, Ferda Ataman, described the figures as an alarming signal. "Racist attitudes are becoming entrenched - and lead to discrimination that is experienced much more intensely," she explained. Discrimination is not a fringe issue but affects the daily lives of many people. "This harms not only the affected individuals but also the economy and society as a whole," Ataman added.

Workplace and Daily Life as Most Frequent Locations

The workplace was the most frequently mentioned area where discrimination was experienced, with 3,600 consultation requests. In second place was access to goods and services - for example, when shopping or looking for housing - with around 20 percent of inquiries. In the housing market, inquiries increased particularly sharply: with 488 cases, the agency recorded an increase of about 25 percent compared to the previous year.

Consultations in the health and care sector also increased by almost 25 percent. In addition, the Anti-Discrimination Agency received more than 1,400 inquiries regarding discrimination by public bodies and authorities, as well as over 500 inquiries regarding discrimination in dealings with the judiciary and police. More than 600 cases were reported in the education sector. This means that contacts with state authorities accounted for almost a quarter of all consultation requests.

The Anti-Discrimination Agency provides advice based on the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), which has been in force since 2006. It is intended to protect people from discrimination in employment, access to goods and services, including housing, and in the health and care sector, among other areas. Affected individuals can therefore file civil lawsuits, for example, for damages. However, contacts with state authorities do not fall under the AGG.

Reform of the General Equal Treatment Act

In early May, the Federal Cabinet approved a reform of the AGG, which includes extending the statute of limitations from two to four months. Ataman considered the reform to be insufficient. "However, the planned reform is too weak and offers very little to people in their daily lives," she criticized. On the positive side, existing gaps are being closed. "It is correct and overdue to close some gaps in the law, as in the area of sexual harassment," said the Commissioner.

Criticism of Remaining Protection Gaps

At the same time, Ataman pointed to ongoing protection gaps: "Many people affected by discrimination would still not be able to invoke the AGG, for example, in cases of discrimination by state authorities." The health sector and discrimination by artificial intelligence also remained "anti-discrimination legal gray areas." The Anti-Discrimination Agency also received inquiries regarding areas not covered by the AGG.

Ataman therefore called for clear legal regulations. "Clear legal regulations are important so that everyone can live in freedom and safety," she said. At the same time, she warned against postponing the problem: "Racism and discrimination will not disappear on their own, especially if people feel that discrimination goes unpunished." The Anti-Discrimination Agency pointed out that an increase in consultation numbers does not necessarily mean an increase in discrimination, but also a growing willingness to seek help.