It was the first annual report that the new anti-discrimination commissioner Ferda Ataman presented, it was created without her participation by the acting head of the federal anti-discrimination agency.

In 2021, the Anti-Discrimination Agency received more than 5,600 requests for advice related to a discrimination characteristic protected by the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).

Heike Schmoll

Political correspondent in Berlin, responsible for “Bildungswelten”.

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This is the second highest value in the history of the anti-discrimination agency, which was founded in 2006.

According to the anti-discrimination agency, the slight decrease compared to the previous year (6383) is due to fewer inquiries in connection with the corona pandemic, in particular about the obligation to wear masks.

The number of requests for advice on all other forms of discrimination remained high.

“The number of cases of discrimination reported to us is alarming.

But it also shows that more and more people are not reconciled with discrimination and are looking for help,” Ataman said when the report was presented.

Ataman appealed to all people who experience discrimination to take action against it - if necessary in court.

She asked the federal government to give those affected better opportunities to assert their rights – for example by extending the deadlines and by introducing a class action right.

Ataman wants reform of the General Equal Treatment Act

"German anti-discrimination law must finally meet international standards," Ataman demanded.

So far they have only been eight weeks – a period of one year is necessary.

German anti-discrimination law does not provide effective protection against discrimination.

"The AGG reform announced by the coalition must be comprehensive and timely," said Ataman.

Key points should be available by the end of the year.

According to the annual report, 37 percent of the reported cases related to racial discrimination.

Disability and chronic diseases came second with 32 percent.

Just a few days ago, a wheelchair user reported that he couldn't ride on a bus because the bus driver didn't open the ramp.

A young woman said that she was asked in the job interview whether she was planning to become pregnant in the near future, although this question is expressly forbidden.

A lesbian couple was not given an apartment because, according to the landlord, it "didn't fit into the living environment".

Discrimination based on gender made up 20 percent of the inquiries and 10 percent based on age.

Nine percent related to the characteristic area of ​​religion and belief and four percent to sexual identity.

From Ataman's point of view, these complaints have nothing to do with identity politics.

These are concerns of citizens who demanded their fundamental right to equal treatment.