Anti-discrimination office logs a rise in inquiries received

Anti-discrimination office logs a rise in inquiries received

Record-breaking consultations were made at the Anti-Discrimination Office last year, surpassing all previous years. The majority of these cases involved allegations of racist incidents and discrimination based on factors like disability, age, or gender.

This year's consultations at the Federal Anti-Discrimination Office showed a significant increase, according to the annual report. A total of 10,772 people reached out to the Office in 2023, marking a 22% jump from the previous year. "Over the past five years, we've seen a doubling of cases at our office," said the Federal Antidiscrimination Commissioner, Ferda Ataman, during the presentation.

Racial discrimination was reported most frequently (41%). Cases involving disabilities and chronic health issues made up 25% of the total, followed closely by those concerning gender or gender identity (24%). Age discrimination was reported by 14% of the individuals who contacted the Anti-Discrimination Office, with a 70% increase noted in this category. It's worth mentioning that discrimination could also occur across multiple of the aforementioned categories.

Ataman issued a warning, stating, "Our case numbers point to a concerning trend. More people than ever before are experiencing the rise in social polarization and radicalization. The barriers seem to be lowering, and discriminations are happening more and more out in the open." However, it's encouraging to see that more individuals are actively speaking out against discrimination.

The Federal Anti-Discrimination Office was established in 2006 with the enactment of the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). Its purpose is to prevent or eradicate discrimination based on factors such as race or antisemitism, gender, religion, disability, age, or sexual identity. The Office provides legal advice, obtains statements, and negotiates amicable resolutions.

Read also:

1. The rise in illnesses due to inadequate healthcare access for people with disabilities has been highlighted as a new form of discrimination that requires international attention.
2. The International Labor Organization has condemned the ongoing sexism and racism in the workplace, calling for equal rights and opportunities for all employees.
3. Despite progress in tackling discrimination against people with disabilities, recent studies show an increase in incidents of bullying and exclusion in schools, further highlighting the need for comprehensive anti-discrimination policies.

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