E/CN.4/1996/72/Add.2 page 22 4. Activities directed against xenophobia and right-wing extremism 4.1 The Commissioner for alien's affairs 13. In 1990 the Senate appointed a commissioner for alien's affairs, with the task of advising it on its policy for integration and assimilation of aliens, especially those living on a long-term basis or for considerable periods in Hamburg, and of helping to foster mutual understanding between the German and non-German populations. To this end, the Commissioner is responsible for: Representing the interests of aliens living in Hamburg and acting as counsellor in difficult cases; In conflict situations, acting as peacemaker, i.e. functioning as mediator between Germans, aliens and aliens' organizations on the one hand, and the authorities and social groups on the other; Cooperating with associations, trade unions, churches, guild chambers, organizations that promote meetings between Germans and aliens, business associations and other official and social groups and institutions; Advising the Senate on questions of principle relating to the general policy concerning aliens, and more particularly on its projects and programmes in that sphere; Contributing by a public relations exercise to rationalizing discussion on the political conditions for integration of aliens and to facilitating cohabitation between Germans and aliens; Influencing administrative actions in the direction of the foregoing objectives. 14. Public relations work is the most important instrument for the information of non-Germans and of the German population. In this the Commissioner for aliens' affairs performs a multiple function. By his media work, he seeks to inform the non-German population about their legal situation, their possibilities and prospects within a predominantly German population, and the services available to promote integration in the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg, but also on their duties as an integral sector of society. He thus encourages aliens to use the possibilities open to them of making a contribution in the social and political spheres. At the same time, he tries to provide the German population with objective information on the legal and social situation of aliens in Hamburg. He strives to eliminate prejudices by adopting a position in keeping with reality. He gives non-German individuals and groups the chance to present themselves in their own cultural and social context. The purpose of all this is not only to give the German population a more informed perception of these aspects, but also to preserve the cultural identity of national or ethnic groups and promote their development in an open society.