Increase in cases of threats and discrimination targeted at Sinti and Roma communities.
In 2023, there was a significant surge in reported instances of hate crimes, discrimination, and verbal abuse against the Sinti and Roma communities, as compared to the previous year. This was highlighted in the second annual report presented by the Reporting and Information Center against Antiziganism (MIA). The report indicated a staggering count of 1233 antiziganist incidents across the nation in 2023, contrasted with the 621 incidents in the year before.
MIA chair, Silas Kropf, suggested that the escalating numbers might not necessarily signify a rise in antiziganism, but could be due to increased awareness and reporting to the MIA. Nevertheless, Kropf emphasized the need for continued efforts to shed light on the persisting hidden issues in the future.
Out of the total 1233 incidents, around 600 were instances of derogatory stereotyping, while 502 involved discriminatory actions, 46 remained threats, 40 were actual attacks, 27 resulted in property damage, and ten were severe, extreme cases of violence.
Kropf pointed out that a majority of these incidents occurred in close proximity to the affected individuals - 212 took place in schools and educational institutions, 177 in housing situations, and 176 during interactions with government authorities. Sinti and Roma reportedly encountered unjust treatment and antiziganist remarks, particularly at foreigners' offices and job centers.
The report primarily focused on antiziganism within the police force, with 83 cases involving police officers, marking a significant increase from the 34 cases in 2022. Among the ten registered extreme violence cases, three perpetrators were identified as police officers or women. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Kropf urged interior ministries and police authorities to take decisive steps to combat antiziganism within the police force. He also suggested establishing a nationwide network of advisory centers to support these efforts.
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- The 2023 report from the Reporting and Information Center against Antiziganism (MIA) highlighted an alarming increase in antiziganist incidents towards the Sinti and Roma communities, reaching a number of 1233 incidents, which is over twice the number reported in 2022.
- Silas Kropf, chair of the MIA, acknowledged that the escalation in reported incidents may not solely indicate a rise in Antiziganism but could also be due to enhanced awareness and reporting to the MIA, particularly in schools, housing situations, and interactions with government authorities.
- Among the various types of antiziganist incidents reported, Roma and Sinti communities faced numerous threats and instances of discrimination at Roma Reporting Office locations, further underscoring the enduring issue of discrimination against these minority groups.
