Germany: Racism against Sinti and Roma increasing – DW

Report on Antiziganism in Germany: Addressing Discrimination Against Sinti and Roma in Line with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Antiziganism Reporting and Information Center in Germany (MIA) has documented a significant rise in prejudice, discrimination, and racism against Sinti and Roma communities in its 2024 annual report. This report highlights the urgent need to address these issues in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Key Findings of the MIA Report

1. The report recorded 1,678 cases of antiziganism in 2024, a substantial increase from 621 cases reported in 2022.
2. Incidents range from verbal abuse and stigmatization to physical assaults and life-threatening violence.
3. The hostile social climate is exacerbated by political rhetoric and media portrayals that perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination.

Federal Response and Leadership

Appointment of New Federal Antiziganism Commissioner

Michael Brand, a Bundestag member from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and state secretary at the Family Ministry, assumed the role of federal commissioner against antiziganism in June 2024. Brand emphasized the importance of protecting minorities such as Sinti and Roma from extremism and discrimination, aligning with SDG 16’s focus on inclusive societies and justice.

Commissioner’s Commitment

• Brand advocates for clear and decisive confrontation of discrimination by both the state and society.
• He highlights positive examples of cooperation between majority society and minorities, promoting social inclusion (SDG 10).

Hostile Social Climate and Its Impact

Increasingly Hostile Atmosphere

The report attributes the rise in reported cases partly to increased awareness of MIA’s work but also notes a generally hostile atmosphere towards Sinti and Roma communities. Examples include:

• Violent bullying incidents in schools, such as a Sinti boy being tied to a bench and beaten.
• Escalation of conflicts involving families, resulting in physical injuries and threats.

Political and Social Context

The report identifies an increasingly hostile political debate, particularly statements by right-wing parties, as poisoning the social climate. This undermines SDG 16 by fostering discrimination and social exclusion.

Historical Context and Population

Nazi Genocide Against Sinti and Roma

Romani Rose, head of the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, recalls the systematic extermination of Sinti and Roma by the Nazis during World War II, when over half a million were persecuted or murdered. Today, approximately 80,000 to 140,000 Sinti and Roma live in Germany, with a European population between 10 and 12 million. This historical context underscores the importance of SDG 16’s commitment to justice and remembrance.

Media Representation and Stereotypes

Media’s Role in Perpetuating Clichés

The MIA report criticizes both commercial and public media for spreading distorted or false portrayals of Sinti and Roma, contributing to stigmatization and discrimination. Notable issues include:

• False allegations of social fraud involving Roma posing as Ukrainian refugees.
• Failure to uphold journalistic standards, leading to complaints and a successful case before the German Press Council.

Media Accountability

The German Press Council condemned these reports for violating journalistic due diligence, non-discrimination principles, and the presumption of innocence. This aligns with SDG 16’s emphasis on accountable institutions and access to information.

Recommendations and Future Actions

Strengthening Institutional Support

• The MIA calls for increased resources and personnel to support the federal antiziganism commissioner’s office.
• Policymakers are urged to reinforce efforts to combat discrimination and promote social inclusion, in line with SDG 10.

Educational and Social Initiatives

Addressing discrimination in schools and kindergartens is critical to achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fostering an inclusive society. The report highlights the need for:

• Anti-discrimination education programs.
• Promotion of positive intercultural dialogue and cooperation.

Conclusion

The rise in antiziganism incidents in Germany presents a significant challenge to social cohesion and human rights. The MIA report and the federal government’s response emphasize the necessity of concerted efforts to combat discrimination against Sinti and Roma communities. These efforts are essential to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on reducing inequalities, ensuring justice, and promoting inclusive and peaceful societies.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights discrimination, prejudice, and racism against Sinti and Roma communities in Germany, directly relating to the goal of reducing inequalities within and among countries.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The issues of hate crimes, violence, and discrimination documented in the article connect to SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article mentions bullying and discrimination in schools and kindergartens, indicating challenges in providing inclusive and equitable quality education.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Although not explicitly mentioned, the focus on discrimination and violence implies the need to address intersectional discrimination, including gender-based discrimination within minority groups.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article discusses cooperation between government bodies, civil society (MIA), and media, aligning with SDG 17’s emphasis on partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including discrimination based on ethnicity.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, including minorities.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere (implied in the context of intersectional discrimination).
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 10.3
   • Number of reported cases of discrimination and hate crimes against Sinti and Roma (e.g., the 1,678 antiziganism cases recorded in 2024).
2. Indicators for SDG 16
   • Number of violent incidents and assaults related to discrimination (documented physical attacks, threats with weapons).
   • Existence and effectiveness of institutional roles such as the federal antiziganism commissioner.
   • Number of complaints and rulings by media regulatory bodies (e.g., German Press Council complaints).
3. Indicator for SDG 4.5
   • Incidence of bullying and discrimination in educational institutions against minority children.
4. Indicator for SDG 17.17
   • Level of cooperation between government, civil society organizations (like MIA), and media in addressing discrimination.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including discrimination based on ethnicity.	Number of reported cases of discrimination and hate crimes against Sinti and Roma (e.g., 1,678 cases in 2024).
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.1: Reduce all forms of violence and related death rates. 16.3: Promote rule of law and equal access to justice. 16.b: Enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies.	Number of violent incidents and assaults related to discrimination. Existence and effectiveness of federal antiziganism commissioner office. Number of media complaints and rulings by German Press Council.
SDG 4: Quality Education	4.5: Eliminate disparities and ensure equal access to education for vulnerable populations.	Incidence of bullying and discrimination in schools and kindergartens against minority children.
SDG 5: Gender Equality	5.1: End all forms of discrimination against women and girls (implied).	Not explicitly mentioned but implied through the need to address intersectional discrimination.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	17.17: Promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.	Level of cooperation between government, civil society (MIA), and media in combating discrimination.

Source: dw.com