'Reports of discrimination in Amsterdam region continue to rise'
In 2022, the MDRA received 684 reports of discrimination compared to 802 reports in 2021. Most reports were about origin and skin color. In addition, there was a significant increase in reports based on religion, with a specific focus on Muslim discrimination. Last year, labor market discrimination was the area on which the MDRA received the most reports. In the Amsterdam region, as many as 140 discrimination reports were reported in this area. The front runner was the municipality of Amsterdam where as many as 781 incidents of labor market discrimination took place. The MDRA will present these figures in its annual report 2022.
The decline is due to the decrease in large-scale bulk reports due to the elimination of corona-related government measures. In fact, due to the corona pandemic, there was a sharp increase in discrimination reports in 2020 and 2021. The MDRA went from 584 reports in 2018 and 595 reports in 2019 to 1309 in 2020 and 802 in 2021.
The 2022 reports on legal grounds of discrimination again show that the growth in discrimination reports is continuing. It is known that the notifications are only the tip of the iceberg. Therefore, registering discrimination notifications remains very valuable to provide interpretation of recurring patterns. In addition, assistance and advice is provided and we gain insight into the incidents. This also allows municipalities to adjust and implement their anti-discrimination policies.
Origin/skin color, religion and sexual orientation again in top 3
Origin and skin color is the discrimination ground on which the Meldpunt receives the most reports. This number rose sharply, from 318 reports in 2019 to 385 reports in 2022 of which 33% of the reports were anti-Black racism. This percentage remains very high due to its annual increase and is striking.
In addition, there was a significant increase in reports based on religion, with a specific focus on Muslim discrimination. In 2022, there were 53 reports based on religion, including 47 reports of Muslim discrimination. This is a significant increase from the 33 reports of Muslim discrimination in the previous year. The number of reports about sexual orientation also continues an upward trend. From 25 reports in 2017, to 45 in 2018, 51 in 2019 and 80 in 2020. In 2021, there was a slight decrease to 56 reports, however, the number increased again in 2022 to 71 reports.
Labor market largest area of discrimination
Also in 2022, labor market discrimination was the area on which the MDRA received the most reports. By far the most reports occurred in the workplace and during the recruitment and selection process. In its registration system, the MDRA distinguishes between (1) incidents reported by residents of the region and (2) incidents of discrimination against anyone that took place in the region. In the Amsterdam region, 140 incidents of discrimination were reported by its residents. Leading the way was the municipality of Amsterdam, where as many as 781 incidents of labor market discrimination took place. In addition, both controversial treatment and hostile treatment were reported most frequently.
Treatment, counseling & mediation
As an anti-discrimination facility, MDRA's primary mission is to provide assistance to citizens who encounter discrimination. Over half of the number of reports call for this. For example, there was psychosocial support or guidance for victims in filing a report, support in resilience, or a request for an opinion at the Human Rights Board on behalf of reporters. In addition, the MDRA has been approachable throughout the year for all residents of Aalsmeer, Amstelveen, Amsterdam, Diemen, Ouder-Amstel, Uithoorn and as of March 1, 2022 city areas Driemond and Weesp. Our website and awareness campaign "Give a signal against discrimination" (see link) as well as posts and videos on various social media channels, see the following links MDRA_Unheard_Trailer_1Min on Vimeo https://vimeo.com/833692971 https://vimeo.com/833695394 https://vimeo.com/833689848 contributed and are contributing to increased visibility of the Hotline.
Connection and cooperation
In cooperation with the anti-discrimination facilities in Rotterdam, The Hague, Central Netherlands and Haaglanden, the MDRA has collaborated in a G4+ context on two crucial professionalization projects: (1) a reporting and analysis tool and (2) designing an integral chain approach against discrimination and racism. In addition, the MDRA is also the director and knowledge partner for combating discrimination for the Amsterdam region. Together with municipalities, police, the OM, various interest groups and non-profit organizations, the MDRA strives for an integral approach in the fight against discrimination.
Click here To download the annual report.