Situation report on racism: “Judge by deeds, not by first names”

Too many people in Germany are still being labeled unjustly, says the federal government’s anti-racism commissioner. This is also evident in the discussion about New Year’s Eve.

According to Minister of State Reem Alabali-Radovan, racism is not an abstract danger, but a painful everyday occurrence for far too many people in Germany. Those affected are people with an immigrant background as well as refugees, black people, Muslims, Jews or Sinti and Roma. Certain groups will, according to their report labeled inferior or criminal.

The SPD politician gives a current example. “The debate over the events of New Year’s Eve in the last few days has shown once again that unfortunately we will not be able to discuss such topics in our immigration country in 2023 without serving up racist resentments,” says Alabali-Radovan. “And one thing is clear: we have to judge the perpetrators of New Year’s Eve by their actions and not by their first names.”

advice and support needed

Racism also takes place in schools, on the job or housing market, says Alabali-Radovan. To counteract this, the Commissioner for Anti-Racism relies on various measures. Counseling should be expanded and victim initiatives given more financial support. The federal government is providing ten million euros for this in this year’s budget.