Roma Foundation Urges German Institutions to Combat Antiziganism as They Tackled Anti-Semitism

Responding to fresh data recording a doubling of attacks on Sinti and Roma in Germany, the Roma Foundation for Europe has called on German public institutions to combat Antiziganism (anti-Roma sentiment) using measures similar to those used to counter anti-Jewish sentiment in the post-war period. 

According to the Antiziganism Reporting and Information Center (MIA)—a federal data tracking agency—the number of attacks on Sinti and Roma registered in Germany  nearly doubled in 2023, to 1,233—up from 621 in 2022. In all, authorities recorded 50 violent attacks, 10 of which were characterised by "extreme violence," 46 threats of violence, and 27 instances of property damage. Evidence of neo-Nazi motivation was found in 89 cases. Three of the ten "extremely violent" incidents documented in the 2023 index involved police; and in one, the use of police dogs on handcuffed detainees.

Zejlko Jovanovic, president of the Roma Foundation for Europe blamed the deep-rooted nature of prejudice against Roma and Sinti for the increase in racist attacks. He called for urgent systemic change: “Centuries of prejudice and a lack of political will for change have made anti-Roma rhetoric far too common and socially acceptable. Beyond enforcing systemic controls that penalise racist and violent behaviour against Sinti and Roma by the police or military, it will take a larger response from society and public institutions to combat Antiziganism—similar to efforts to rid the country of anti-Jewish sentiment after the Second World War.”

The study found discrimination most frequently occurred in homes, schools, and government agencies. Roma monuments and graves have often been targeted—with swastikas recently painted on the home of a Holocaust survivor, for instance—and racist chants and incitement are common. 

Jovanovic stressed the critical role of the media, universities and other public and civic institutions in combating Antiziganism. He said, “Media, universities, schools and other public and civic institutions that shape public opinion need to make it clear that hatred and anti-Roma rhetoric will not be tolerated. Otherwise, incidences of discrimination and violence will continue to rise”

To address the anti-Roma rhetoric and discrimination, governments should invest in Roma culture, Roma voters and entrepreneurs, explained Jovanovic. “Not only will this help Roma communities to live up to their potential but it also has the potential to strengthen Europe’s economy and democracy as a whole—whereas neglecting Roma communities further its weakens economic strength, its political stability, its social cohesion, its credibility and its global competitiveness.”