Features the "Germany Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 1998," presented by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the U.S. Department of State. Focuses on the human rights record of the government of Germany.

Report submitted to the Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, and the Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives, by the U.S. Dept. of State. These country reports on human rights cover the human rights practices of all nations that are members of the United Nations and a few that are not. They are printed to assist members of Congress in the consideration of legislation, particularly foreign assistance legislation.

Germany is a constitutional, parliamentary democracy. Citizens choose their representatives periodically in free and fair multiparty elections. The head of the federal government, the chancellor, is elected by the Federal Parliament (Bundestag). The second legislative chamber, the Federal Council (Bundesrat), represents the 16 states at the federal level and is composed of members of the state governments. The most recent national elections for the Bundestag took place in 2009. Security forces reported to civilian authorities. Right-wing extremist offenses were a source of significant public and official concern. In November police arrested persons linked to a right-wing extremist group, the National Socialist Underground, for the killings of nine persons with Turkish or Greek backgrounds as well as one policewoman over a period of 13 years. Members of the extreme right also perpetrated a number of anti-Semitic acts, the most widespread of which were the desecration of Jewish cemeteries or other monuments with graffiti including swastikas and racist slogans. Challenges facing persons with disabilities were the topic of public discussion: e.g., some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) questioned the practice of teaching children with disabilities in designated schools with special facilities, fearing that this segregates the children from society and hinders their future integration as full members of society. Finally, there was also some societal violence and discrimination because of sexual orientation.

Offers access to "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1998," a series published by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the U.S. Department of State. Includes reports for Africa, Europe, Canada, Latin America, North Africa, South Asia, and the near East.