Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency

Overview:

The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency takes on and independently carries out the following tasks, insofar as no Parliamentary Commissioner of the Bundestag or Federal Government Commissioner is competent in the matter: Publicity work; measures to prevent discrimination; academic studies into discrimination.

Brief history

Date of establishment: August 2006, mode of establishment: by legislation through the General Act on Equal Treatment. The agency was established within the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. It is independent in the execution of its duties and only subject to the law (General Act on Equal Treatment, Section 26, 27).

Mandate Type

Predominantly promotion-type and legal support body

Litigation power:

  • Formally deciding on complaints (e.g. decision or recommendation addressed to the parties) Not legally binding

Activities

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Activities aimed at supporting vulnerable groups ( e.g. through trainings )
Activities aimed at supporting duty bearers such as employers and service providers (e.g. through trainings, guidance material, practical support, etc.)
Communication activities (e.g. awareness raising campaigns)
Recommendations on discrimination issues
Publications and reports
Research projects (including surveys)

Our institution has a mandate to deal with:

  • Hate crime
  • Hate speech

Other statistics:

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Number of inquiries handled per year (all contact even if not resulting in a formal complaint)2181266133022930278728603740377342204247
Number of cases handled per year (case files opened and processed according to your procedures)
Number of media appearances per year (major newspapers/magazines/websites/blogs, TV + radio channels) - does not include social media

Management

  • Single headed equality body (led by director or ombudsman/commissioner)

Management details

The Federal minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth appoints a person to head the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, based on a suggestion put forward by the Federal Government. The relationship between the Agency and the Federal Administration is that of an official public-law relationship

Additional details

The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency operates in a financially independent manner and has its own dedicated section within the detailed budget plan of the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. The FADA decides independently within its budgetary funds in compliance with valid budget law.

Procedure for nomination and appointment of management and board

The Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth appoints a person to head the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, based on a suggestion put forward by the Federal Government. The relationship between the Agency and the Federal Administration is that of an official public-law relationship (öffentlich-rechtliches Amtsverhältnis).
According to the General Act on Equal Treatment, Section 30, an advisory board was established on 25 October 2007. This body shall advise the authority concerning reports and recommendations to the German Bundestag (Parliament) and concerning research. The advisory board shall also promote the dialogue with groups and organisations in the anti-discrimination field.

Number of staff dealing with equality issues

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
3030303030303030303030

Grounds and fields of discrimination covered by the equality body

Grounds / Fields Employment Education Housing Social Protection & Healthcare Goods and Services Other
Gender
Gender Identity
Race and Ethnic Origin
Age
Disability
Sexual Orientation
Religion & Belief

Mandate covers:

  • Private sector

Operating budget in euros

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
2.682.642.532.993.223.714.284.324.495.414.75

We are accountable to

  • National Parliament