Antigypsyism in Germany: Discrimination is increasing alarmingly!

Antigypsyism in Germany: Discrimination is increasing alarmingly!

The situation of the Sinti*zze and Roma*nja in Germany remains tense and worrying. Recent reports show increasing violence and discrimination against this population. For example, part of the Berlin memorial to the Sinti*zze and Roma*nja murdered under National Socialism has to give way to a new railway line, which is particularly painful in the context of ongoing antigypsyism in Germany. According to Amnesty, Sinti*zze and Roma*nja are still stigmatized as criminals and not socially capable, which leads to a structural problem of violence.

In 2024, the reporting center for antigypsyism, citing Tagesschau, registered an increase in documented incidents to 1,678. This represents an alarming increase compared to 2023, where 1,233 incidents were recorded. What is particularly striking is that almost 50 percent of the cases consist of verbal stereotyping that defames those affected. Furthermore, 57 attacks and 10 cases of extreme violence have been documented, which underlines the threatening situation.

Antigypsyism in everyday life

Antigypsyism is now perceived as everyday life in Germany. MIA managing director Guillermo Ruiz emphasizes that the number of unreported incidents is likely to be even larger and that the hostile mood towards Sinti and Roma continues to increase. According to the MDR, 40 percent of the discrimination recorded indicate that it often comes from institutions such as schools and police authorities. This shows that not only private individuals are affected, but also state institutions that should bear responsibility.

However, antigypsyism is not just an everyday problem, but also shows historical parallels. Artists like Alfred Ullrich remind us of the lasting trauma left behind by the Nazi era. He refers to the Sinti hunger strike in Dachau in 1980, which had a lasting impact on public perception of antigypsyism.

Demands for change

Kenan Emini from the Roma Center Göttingen calls for greater recognition of the Holocaust against Roma. This recognition is directly related to the legal and social conditions in which many Roma live. Emini advocates that Roma who have fled civil wars should be given the right to remain, as they often have to live without a means of subsistence.

But there is a lack of political will to take the necessary measures. In Tagesschau, the MIA calls for the creation of reporting points in all federal states in order to promote awareness across society. The need for financing for these positions is becoming increasingly urgent given the increasing demands.

In view of these alarming developments, the question remains: How long will Sinti*zzes and Roma*nja in Germany have to fight for their recognition and equal rights?