Diversity of symbols and their use in the public domain 50. States should promote integration by respecting the claims and sensitivities of both minority and majority groups regarding the display and use of symbols in shared public space. While being mindful of freedom of expression, States should avoid the divisive use of symbols and discourage such displays by non-State actors. Where appropriate, opportunities to promote inclusive symbols should be sought. Symbols, such as flags, signs, statues, monuments, place and street names, commemorative occasions or holidays, historical sites and burial sites, can have profound meanings related to identity. Symbols can have a powerful impact on social relations, and can be used to promote inclusion and cohesion as well as separation and division. The inappropriate use of symbols can cause tensions and incidents that can escalate into conflict and intercommunity violence. This can be avoided by including balanced and fair rules to address potential issues relating to symbols as essential elements of integration policies. Where symbols are concerned, integration policies should be based, inter alia, on the following: − The display of symbols related to identity by private persons in public falls under freedom of expression and should not be prohibited unless there are legitimate and clearly defined legal grounds for doing so. These grounds should, in any case, be interpreted narrowly and any prohibition must be proportional to the legitimate aims; − Displaying flags and symbols within or on the premises of local governments or other public institutions can be contentious and create tensions. In such cases, States should consider regulating such displays, based on principles of inclusiveness and good governance, achieving a balance between the reasonable interests of all groups in society; − Minority rights provide for the display of topographical and street signs in minority languages (which may include, as appropriate, the alphabet used) under certain conditions.129 Because they also have a symbolic meaning, States could, where appropriate, provide for the right to display topographical indications in minority languages even if minorities do not live in the area traditionally or in substantial numbers. Furthermore, when thresholds are established for enabling the right to 129 FCNM, article 11. 64 Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies