Sinti and Roma continue to experience pervasive patterns of antigypsyism and discrimination across all aspects of life, including education, employment, housing, and interactions with police and public authorities. The rise of right-wing extremism, including within political party systems, is reflected in the increasing antigypsyismfaced by these communities. Members of the minority regularly express fear about a changing political environment and discourse, stereotypical media coverage and general societal views about Sinti and Roma.
The Reporting and Information Office on Antigypsyism (MIA) documented 1,678 incidents in 2024, which is an increase of almost 40% from 2023. Yet, these numbers are only the tip of the iceberg as many members of the communities do not report their experiences, often out of resignation or fear of retribution. Independent research by Leipzig University confirms that more than 40% of the German society holds antigypsyist prejudices.
The paper ‘National Policy Recommendatons on Fighting Antigypsyism in Germany‘, authored by Sozialfabrik, draws its insights form several key sources, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The Roma Civil Monitor on the National Roma Strategic Framework “Fighting Antigypsyism, Ensuring Participation! Towards the Implementation of the EU-Roma Strategy 2030” provides important information about the state of implementation and the strength and weaknesses of the framework more broadly. Similarly, the forthcoming Jekhipe country briefing and research briefing on Germany (on file with the author) and MIA’s reports provide a detailed, cross-sectoral overview about the state of antigypsyism and strategies to combat it. Moreover, the Jekhipe project’s survey allows to incorporate the perceptions and needs analysis of key figures in public administration and Sinti and Roma as well as pro-Roma CSOs. These sources are complemented by a stakeholder map, that identifies and analyses key institutions and individuals influencing and developing policies regarding the situation of the minority.
About the author: Sozialfabrik e.V. is an organisation dedicated to political analysis and research with a focus on the following social and political areas: minorities – especially Sinti and Roma; migration; sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR); social inclusion and equal treatment of socially disadvantaged groups. The aim of Sozialfabrik e.V. is to make a significant contribution – independently or in cooperation with partner organisations – to the critical research of government institution policies and to enable a more effective implementation of these policies.
