The North Rhine-Westphalia state government wants to establish reporting centers for racism and queerphobia.
Integration Minister Stamp (FDP) has announced plans to establish reporting centers for racist incidents as well as for attacks related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia plans to establish reporting centers for racist incidents and attacks related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Among other things, a reporting center against anti-Muslim racism is planned. In Iserlohn, on New Year's Eve, unknown individuals overturned around 30 gravestones and destroyed decorations in the Muslim section of the main cemetery.
The state established a reporting center for antisemitism back in the summer of 2021. Now, a total of five more reporting centers are to be created. These will focus on hatred against Sinti and Roma, anti-Black and anti-Asian racism, queerphobia, and anti-Muslim racism.
"Racism, queerphobia, hatred and exclusion are an attack on our society, which we will resolutely oppose," said Family and Integration Minister Joachim Stamp (FDP) on Friday.
The scientifically based reporting centers are intended to offer victims an easily accessible way to report incidents, even those below the threshold of criminal liability. The aim is to support victims and simultaneously raise public awareness of discrimination prevention. Furthermore, this will create a basis for "reports, research, and policy action," the ministry stated.
Interested organizations can submit proposals for setting up the reporting centers until February 25. "We are particularly hoping for expressions of interest from civil society. The establishment of the reporting centers should take place in close and trusting exchange with self-organized groups and communities," said the new State Secretary for Integration, Gonca Türkeli-Dehnert.
According to the ministry, the selected organizations will then be asked to submit a formal application. The establishment of the reporting centers is scheduled for completion in 2023. The operation of the reporting centers will then be put out to tender.
