Leipzig (dpa / sn) – The anti-discrimination office in Saxony registered an increase in the number of cases last year. In 2022, 502 cases of discrimination were processed, the advice center announced on Wednesday. In the previous year there were 429 cases. More than half of the incidents (59 percent) had a racist background. This was followed by 19 percent discrimination because of a disability.
The consulting office also attributes the increase to increased offers. In July 2021, a counseling center was opened in Dresden, which has been receiving more and more inquiries since then. In 2022, there was also a campaign on discrimination in public transport that drew attention to the issue. As a result, the number of cases in this area has increased.
The managing director of the anti-discrimination office, Sotiria Midelia, explained that a state anti-discrimination law based on the Berlin model would be welcome in Saxony. At the state level – in the education sector and in the authorities – there are “large, legal gaps in protection”. Victims of discrimination cannot legally claim their right to equal treatment from state authorities.
The Saxony Anti-Discrimination Office is a central point of contact with three locations in Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz. The employees provide legal and psychosocial advice to those affected. The office is funded by the Free State of Saxony.
