As concerns about the far right grow in Germany, civil society is responding. A new guide has mapped out how Germany's democratic networks are preparing to defend people's rights — and it specifically identifies foreign residents and people with a migrant background as among those most exposed to the threat. For expats living in Germany, understanding what protections exist and which organisations are active in this space is both practically useful and reassuring. This is not an abstract political debate: it is about the daily safety and rights of people who have made their lives here.
The guide in question brings together information on how Germany's civil society organisations and democratic networks are organising to push back against the far-right threat. While the full contents of the guide are not available in the current reporting, its existence signals a coordinated and structured response from civil society — not an ad hoc reaction.
Germany has a well-established landscape of organisations that work on anti-discrimination, civil rights, and support for people facing hate or harassment. The guide appears to serve as a resource for understanding how these networks operate and what they are prepared to do.
The guide explicitly identifies foreign residents and people with a migrant background as among those most vulnerable to far-right threats. This reflects a broader pattern that researchers and advocacy groups have long documented: people who are visibly or legally identifiable as foreign-born are disproportionately targeted by far-right actors, whether through harassment, intimidation, or violence.
For expats in Germany — whether they have been here for years or have just arrived — this is a reality worth taking seriously. It does not mean that Germany is unsafe: the country has strong legal frameworks and active civil society. But being aware of the support structures available is a practical form of preparedness.
Germany's democratic civil society networks have been active for decades in defending rights and countering extremism. These include organisations that offer legal advice, document hate incidents, provide psychological support, and conduct public education. The fact that a coordinated guide has now been produced suggests that these groups are thinking systematically about how to respond to what they see as a heightened threat environment.
If you ever experience harassment, discrimination, or threats related to your background or status as a foreign resident in Germany, a number of organisations can help. Rather than listing contact details here, we recommend searching for organisations such as the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, the advice networks for victims of right-wing violence (Beratungsstellen für Betroffene rechter Gewalt), or your local anti-discrimination office (Antidiskriminierungsstelle) to find their current official contact information.
Yes, German law provides protections against discrimination, hate speech, and violence regardless of a person's nationality or migration status. However, exercising those rights in practice — including reporting incidents and accessing support — can be easier with the help of specialist organisations. Consulting a legal adviser or contacting an anti-discrimination organisation is a practical first step if you face such a situation.
Documenting incidents (date, location, what happened, any witnesses) is an important first step. You can report incidents to the police, and you may also wish to contact a civil society organisation that supports victims of hate or discrimination. Searching online for your local Beratungsstelle für Betroffene rechter Gewalt or your regional Antidiskriminierungsstelle will give you current contact details.
The reporting indicates that civil society groups view the threat as significant enough to warrant a coordinated new guide — which itself suggests a heightened level of concern. For an accurate and up-to-date picture, monitoring reports from Germany's domestic intelligence agency (Verfassungsschutz) and independent research organisations is recommended.
Germany's civil society is actively working to defend the rights of people most at risk from the far-right threat — and foreign residents are explicitly recognised as a priority group. Knowing that these networks exist, and knowing how to find them if you need them, is a practical step every expat can take. You do not need to wait for an incident to look up local support organisations, anti-discrimination offices, or legal advice services in your area. Being informed is the best first line of defence.
Source: The Local
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