The monitoring of the anti-discrimination office in the city of Salzburg shows how widespread racism is: 62 documented cases of racist behavior in the past year. Many of them would have affected offices, authorities and the police. “We often also observe institutional racism,” said Barbara Sieberth, one of the two spokespersons for the platform for human rights.

This refers to forms of exclusion, disadvantage or degradation in socially relevant institutions. “This is the case, for example, when in kindergarten it is expected, as a matter of course, that all parents speak good German. It’s not about the behavior of a single person, but about the internal logic of an organization, ”says Sieberth. Institutional racism also exists when the police only control people with dark skin. This so-called “racial profiling” is forbidden by law and is still common practice, according to a broadcast by the platform for human rights.

Only 15 percent of the cases are reported

“I think we need a better awareness of diversity, so that political statements about the headscarf are no longer made, or about social fraud among foreigners,” said Sieberth, adding: “These things shape public opinion and are then reflected in individual behavior.”

Sieberth estimated that no more than 15 percent of the incidents would be reported. In principle, their number has remained about the same compared to the previous year.