Germany: Study finds institutional racism in public agencies

Racism in German public authorities is often embedded in institutional routine and culture, according to a new study.

Researchers at Leipzig's Research Institute for Social Cohesion, known as FGZ, have published the findings after a three-year review of job centers, immigration offices, police and customs, courts, health, youth and public order agencies, and social work.

What did the survey conclude?

The study found evidence of racist discrimination across all institutions when it comes to discretion in decisions, and organizational. This occurs in different forms and levels of intensity, it said.

A survey of 13,000 employees found no uniformly higher level of ethnically discriminatory attitudes in authorities compared with the general population.

The researchers said language barriers pose a key structural risk, with support during application procedures varying widely depending on the case.

They reported that some applicants receive proactive help, while people with limited German skills are sometimes turned away or told their language ability is the problem.

The study also said regional differences in public attitudes and the broader social climate can be reflected in administrative practice.

Researchers recommended setting up independent complaint offices, expanding anti-racism training and reflection programs, and actively recruiting people from groups affected by discrimination at all levels of the civil service.

Edited by: Roshni Majumdar