Press Release

ICHRRF Calls on German Government to Act Against Anti-Roma and Anti-Sinti Hate Speech and Prevent the Normalisation of Ethnic Discrimination by AfD

"Never Again" Must Apply to Sinti and Roma: Germany Has a Historical and Constitutional Responsibility to Stand Against Antigypsyism

Berlin, Germany – International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom   (ICHRRF), a US based human rights group  calls upon the Federal Government of Germany, the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Federal Government Commissioner for Anti-Racism and all relevant democratic institutions to take a clear and unequivocal stand against the growing normalization of anti-Roma and anti-Sinti rhetoric in German political discourse, including discriminatory statements made by leading representatives of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).

Germany's historical responsibility is not confined to commemorative speeches and annual Holocaust remembrance ceremonies. It must be reflected in the actions of its political institutions, particularly when the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of historically persecuted minorities are threatened by public rhetoric.

Approximately 500,000 Sinti and Roma were murdered during the Holocaust under National Socialist persecution. Their genocide, known as the Porajmos, remains one of the darkest chapters of European history. Entire families and communities were destroyed because of their ethnic identity. Survivors endured decades of marginalization, discrimination and denial of recognition.

Against this historical background, the use of discriminatory language and the collective association of Sinti and Roma with criminality by political representatives are matters of profound concern.

AfD Leadership Must Be Held Politically Accountable

ICHRRF expresses its serious concern regarding public statements attributed to AfD Federal Spokesperson Alice Weidel on 28 October 2026 concerning Romanian citizens and alleged exploitation of Germany's social welfare system.

ICHRRF also condemns remarks attributed to AfD Co-Chair Tino Chrupalla on 29 August 2026, reportedly involving the use of a discriminatory designation for members of the Sinti and Roma communities in connection with the discovery of weapons.

The Central Council of German Sinti and Roma subsequently filed a criminal complaint concerning the remarks. Any determination of criminal liability rests with the competent judicial authorities.

Nevertheless, the ethical and political implications of such statements cannot be dismissed simply because their legal status remains under consideration.

Political leaders have a particular responsibility to ensure that public debate does not turn into a vehicle for ethnic stereotyping, collective blame or the marginalization of vulnerable communities.

Criticism of migration policy, welfare systems and criminal activity is legitimate in a democratic society. However, such criticism must be based on individual conduct and reliable evidence, not ethnic origin or national identity.

No ethnic community should be collectively portrayed as a threat to German society.

Germany Must Remember the 500,000 Sinti and Roma Victims of the Holocaust

The Holocaust did not target Jewish people alone. Sinti and Roma were also subjected to systematic persecution, deportation, forced labor, medical experimentation and mass extermination by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

The genocide of Sinti and Roma must never be relegated to the margins of Holocaust remembrance.

The historical persecution of these communities demonstrates how dangerous the normalization of racial stereotypes can become when discriminatory narratives are allowed to enter mainstream political discourse without challenge.

Dr. Adityanjee, the President of ICHRRF stresses that historical responsibility requires more than remembering the victims. It requires protecting the living. Germany must ensure that the words "Never Again" apply equally to Jewish people, Sinti and Roma, and every other community threatened by racism, antisemitism and ethnic hatred.

A Call to the Federal Government of Germany

ICHRRF calls upon Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the Federal Government, the German Bundestag and the relevant constitutional and human rights institutions to:

1. Publicly condemn anti-Roma and anti-Sinti rhetoric: Make clear that ethnic stereotyping, discriminatory terminology and collective accusations against minority communities have no place in democratic political discourse.

2. Protect Sinti and Roma communities: Strengthen existing measures against antigypsyism, hate speech, discrimination and racially motivated violence, including effective protection for individuals and community organizations.

3. Demand political accountability: Call upon political parties and their leadership to uphold democratic standards and ensure that public representatives refrain from rhetoric that reinforces ethnic prejudice.

4. Strengthen law enforcement and judicial responses: Ensure that allegations of racist threats, incitement and discrimination are investigated independently, impartially and in accordance with German law.

5. Reinforce Holocaust education: Expand educational initiatives addressing the genocide of approximately 500,000 Sinti and Roma, ensuring that their suffering and historical experiences receive appropriate recognition in schools, universities and public institutions.

6. Support civil society and minority organizations: Provide stronger institutional support to organizations representing Sinti and Roma and those working to combat racism and protect human rights.

7. Promote responsible political communication: Encourage all political parties to reject discriminatory narratives and ensure that public discussions concerning migration, welfare and public security remain grounded in facts and individual responsibility.

Human Dignity Is the Foundation of German Democracy

Article 1 of the German Basic Law states:

"Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority."

Article 3 further guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on grounds including ancestry, language, homeland and origin.

These constitutional principles are not selective commitments. They apply to every person, irrespective of ethnicity, nationality, religion or social background.

Germany's democratic institutions must demonstrate that the lessons of National Socialism remain meaningful in contemporary political life.

ICHRRF emphasizes that freedom of expression and democratic political debate must be protected. However, freedom of expression must not be confused with freedom from public accountability. Political leaders must recognize the consequences of their words, particularly when addressing communities that have historically experienced persecution and exclusion.

ICHRRF Statement: Never Again Means Never Again for Everyone

The International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom calls upon the German Government to demonstrate moral leadership and take a clear position against the spread of antigypsyism.

The Sinti and Roma communities are an inseparable part of Europe's history, culture and present-day society. They are not outsiders, nor are they second-class citizens. Their dignity and rights are equal to those of every other European community.

The approximately 500,000 Sinti and Roma murdered during the Holocaust cannot speak for themselves today. Their memory places an obligation upon the present generation to confront discrimination before hatred becomes normalized and exclusion becomes institutionalized.

Germany must not allow the historical persecution of Sinti and Roma to be forgotten, minimized or repeated in a different form through the normalization of ethnic hostility.

ICHRRF therefore urges the Federal Government, democratic political parties and all responsible public institutions to stand firmly against anti-Roma and anti-Sinti hatred.

Never Again is not merely a historical promise. It is a present-day democratic responsibility.

Human dignity is non-negotiable.

Issued by:

International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom   (ICHRRF)

Media and Institutional Enquiries:
International Centre for Human Rights Research and Policy (ICHRRF)