The definition and concepts of German anti-discrimination law do not meet best practice because nationality discrimination is not fully covered. Discrimination by association or on the basis of assumed characteristics is also up to judicial interpretation. The fields of application would continue to improve (see box), if migrants were protected from nationality discrimination in employment, housing and healthcare. Enforcement mechanisms allow complainants to have access to many procedures. But the law limits the legal standing of NGOs (legal entities with a legitimate interest in promoting equality) to support victims in the actual court case. Unfavourable equality policies, which score third from the bottom after CZ and DK, place similar limits on the new Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency. The state does not use positive action measures or mainstream equality into the functions of public bodies.
