A recent survey commissioned by the Federal Antidiscrimination Agency reveals widespread perceptions of unfair treatment by German authorities, highlighting a critical need for improved protections and redress mechanisms. Conducted by Info GmbH Markt- und Meinungsforschung between November 21st and December 2023, the study – involving phone interviews with 2,000 individuals aged 16 and over – indicates that nearly one in five Germans have felt poorly treated by a government agency or office.
A concerning nine percent of respondents believe they have been discriminated against by state institutions. The survey underscores a disproportionate impact on specific demographic groups, with 33 percent of individuals with a migrant background, 30 percent of those with disabilities or chronic illnesses and 42 percent of individuals with a lower socioeconomic status reporting such negative experiences.
Perceptions of unfair treatment extend to law enforcement, with 16 percent of respondents feeling they were treated unfairly by police officers. This feeling is particularly prevalent among individuals with a migrant background (28 percent) and men (20 percent), compared to 12 percent of those without a migrant background and 11 percent of women. Six percent of respondents accused the police of discrimination.
The study also points to a lack of trust within the police force, with approximately half (52 percent) believing there are prejudices influencing perceptions of who commits crimes. A similar proportion (51 percent) expressed a lack of confidence in the police’s ability to protect all citizens equally.
Federal Antidiscrimination Commissioner Ferda Ataman is now calling for the expansion of the Antidiscriminierungsgesetz (Antidiscrimination Act) to include stronger federal-level action. She argues that current protections are inadequate, leaving victims with limited avenues for redress when discrimination originates from state entities. “The state should be a role model in the protection against discrimination” Ataman stated, “Currently, individuals are better protected from discrimination in a restaurant than in government offices and agencies.
Her recommendations include establishing independent and accessible ombuds and complaint offices, bolstering Antidiscriminierungsstellen (Antidiscrimination Agencies) and requiring federal states to enshrine discrimination protections within education, administration and policing. The agency estimates that thousands of instances of discrimination by state entities are reported annually, underlining the urgency of addressing these findings.
