Michael Brand becomes an antigianism officer - a new hope!

Michael Brand becomes an antigianism officer - a new hope!

A new chapter in the fight against anti -Ziganism is opened: Michael Brand, an experienced politician of the CDU, was appointed as representative against anti -Ziganism. Federal Family Minister Karin Prien announced this important position, which at the same time gives him responsibility for combating discrimination against the Sinti and Roma population. Brand, which will continue to work as a parliamentary state secretary in the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, brings a lot of experience into the task. He has represented the Fulda constituency in the German Bundestag since 2005 and has since profiled himself as a human rights expert. Already from 2013 to 2017 he headed the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid in the German Bundestag. In this area, he campaigned for the rights of many suppressed groups, including Tibetans and Uighers, which even refused to enter China in 2016. These facts, as reported by nd currently create a promising basis for its new role.

Brand, born in Fulda in 1973, has completed a studies in political science, history and law at the University of Bonn. His commitment to human rights led him to Sarajevo, where he worked as an OSCE election observer. He will probably benefit this international experience while he deals with the challenges and prejudices with which the Sinti and Roma are faced in Germany.

discrimination as a pressing problem

The need for a strong voice against anti -Ziganism is underlined by current reports. According to the federal anti -discrimination agency, over 20,600 cases of discrimination were registered from 2021 to 2023. Ethnic origin and racist prejudices are often the reason for these discrimination, which is everyday reality for many affected people. The number of unreported cases should also be much higher, since estimated 16 to 30 percent of the population report discrimination.

Ferda Ataman, a voice in this discourse, describes the discrimination crisis as alarming and demands effective protection for those affected. In a report that is presented to the German Bundestag every four years, the need to reform the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) is emphasized, among other things. Central improvements should in particular ensure protection against discrimination against government agencies, such as for offices and the police. This need for reform is also made by experts such as Dr. Mehmet Daimagüler underpins, who indicates the continued discrimination against Sinti and Roma and is committed to expanding the AGG. Further demands aim at creating accessibility and protection against discrimination against artificial intelligence.

a call to the action

bands new role comes at the right time to address these challenges. His appointment can be understood as a sign of change, because now lies in his hands to put the concerns of the Sinti and Roma at the center of political events. The questions that impose themselves are significant: how can society fight together against prejudices? How can guidelines and legal measures be changed to offer those affected better protection? These topics will certainly accompany fire and many supporters in their important work.

In a time when discrimination is experienced every day or even hour, the commitment of an anti -Ziganism officer is more than just a formal office. It is a call to the action and a necessary step towards a fairer and discriminatory society.