City of Jena presents third annual report of the anti-discrimination office

The city of Jena today presented the third annual report of its municipal anti-discrimination office (ADS) for the period July 2023 to December 2024. The independent institution, which has been in existence since summer 2021, recorded a total of 66 contacts in the reporting period - a significant increase compared to the previous reporting period.

It must be taken into account that the reporting period was six months longer than the last report by the Anti-Discrimination Agency. Nevertheless, the absolute number of contacts almost doubled from 36 to 66 in one and a half times this period.

Of the 63 reported incidents relating to the city of Jena, discrimination was found in 35 cases. Particularly worrying: 22 of these cases were racially motivated and related to the origin or ethnicity of those affected. It is striking that most of the incidents (11) took place in public spaces - a huge increase from 9% in the previous reporting center to 31% now.

Mayor Thomas Nitzsche is concerned about this development: "The figures in the latest report are alarming. Discrimination has no place in a cosmopolitan city like Jena. In particular, the increase in openly racist insults and physical assaults in public spaces against people with a migration background is unacceptable. The peaceful and respectful coexistence for which Jena is known must not be jeopardized by hatred and exclusion. We will continue to take decisive action against all forms of discrimination."

The report also shows that the reports are increasingly relevant to police or regulatory law. For example, serious insults, threats or violent assaults were recorded in 11 cases. In addition, 37% of all cases of discrimination were reported by third parties - compared to 22% in the previous year.

Kathleen Lützkendorf, Head of Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate, emphasizes: "The increasing number of reports shows on the one hand that our anti-discrimination office is perceived as an important point of contact. On the other hand, the increasing number of racist attacks on people with a migration background is a serious warning signal that deeply concerns me personally. Every single case of discrimination is one too many - especially in our city, which is characterized by cultural diversity and openness to the world. I am grateful for the work of the Anti-Discrimination Office team. It gives those affected a voice and provides valuable support."

Background information:

The Anti-Discrimination Office is guided by the definition of discrimination in the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and advises those affected by discrimination in their search for possible solutions and local support services. On request, it obtains statements and accompanies discussions to resolve conflicts.

The City of Jena is aware that the reported cases only represent a fraction of the actual incidents of discrimination. As an active member of the European Coalition of Cities against Racism (ECCAR), Jena sends out clear signals against discrimination with its anti-discrimination office, the 10-point action plan against racism, the #jenaschauhin anti-racism campaign and its membership of the "Thüringen Weltoffen" initiative.

The full annual report will be available on the website of the Anti-Discrimination Agency after the committee run.