A recent nationwide survey has revealed a significant proportion of individuals in Germany have experienced perceived mistreatment when interacting with government agencies and authorities. The study, commissioned by the Federal Anti-Discrimination Office and reported by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, indicates that nearly one in five respondents (19%) believe they have been disadvantaged by state institutions, while 9% felt they were subjected to discrimination.
The findings highlight disparities in reported experiences, with individuals possessing a migrant background (33%), those with disabilities or chronic illnesses (30%) and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (42%) significantly more likely to report negative interactions.
Perceptions of unfair treatment by the police are also prevalent, with 16% of respondents reporting such experiences. This figure rises to 28% among individuals with a migrant background and 20% among men, compared to 12% among those without a migrant background and 11% among women. A total of 6% of those surveyed accused the police of discrimination.
The survey further suggests widespread concerns regarding bias within law enforcement. Approximately half (52%) of respondents believe the police hold preconceived notions about who commits crimes. A similar percentage (51%) expressed reservations about the reliability of police protection for all members of society.
Based on these results and following a recent legal assessment, Ferda Ataman, the Independent Federal Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, is advocating for the expansion of anti-discrimination legislation to encompass state actors at the federal level. “The problem is that those affected currently have limited avenues to challenge discrimination originating from government offices” she stated.
Ataman emphasized the importance of the state serving as a model for equitable treatment. “Currently, people in Germany are better protected from discrimination in restaurants than in government offices and agencies” she explained. She also urges regional governments to integrate anti-discrimination protections within education, administration and policing sectors, alongside the establishment of accessible grievance mechanisms and reinforced anti-discrimination offices.
The study, conducted by Info GmbH Markt- und Meinungsforschung through telephone interviews with 2,000 individuals aged 16 and over between November 21st and December 8th, 2023, underscores the perceived scope of the issue, with authorities receiving thousands of reports of discrimination from state entities annually.