A/HRC/55/44/Add.1 and cultural rights can only be implemented, if the contributions of persons from eastern Germany to current society together with their past experiences, practices and traditions are recognized as equal to those of the people living in western Germany. 64. Most work to counter negative representations and foster interactions between groups and communities is conducted at the local level, by local authorities, associations, cultural services and institutions. The Special Rapporteur was informed about various schemes, such as community gardens, the long-standing tradition of neighbourhood and school associations (Verein) and the involvement of young men with migration backgrounds in rural voluntary firefighting squads. The importance of such spaces for interaction cannot be overstated. Support for these local dynamics should feature more prominently in programming and strategies at the federal and state level. The federal social cohesion programme, established in 2021, which is aimed at supporting initiatives with similar goals, would be a step in the right direction, as long as it provides continuity for the initiatives. 1. Right-wing extremism 65. Unfortunately, the multifaceted nature of German society is not accepted by all. According to official statistics, politically motivated crimes and, in particular, hate crimes carried out by right-wing extremists, are still increasing, and far-right extremism represents a real threat to the democracy of Germany. In February 2021, the country’s domestic intelligence agency placed the Alternative für Deutschland party, a conservative, anti-human-rights party, represented by 14 per cent of parliamentarians at the time of the Special Rapporteur’s visit, under formal surveillance for potential extremist links. During the visit of the Special Rapporteur, an attempted coup by a far-right group against Parliament was intercepted. Closed, right-wing extremist communities, which do not recognize the rule of law and the democratically elected Government, also exist throughout Germany. 66. Such extremist movements deserve the serious attention of the Government. Incidents involving neo-Nazi or other extremist groups must be publicly exposed and duly investigated. Authorities at all levels must take a clear position, followed by specific measures, against the dissemination of hate speech and of negative generalization and stereotypes, in particular in the media and in educational contexts. 67. Although debates regarding the criteria necessary to be able to access naturalization are important for democracy, they should be monitored to avoid undue generalization about newcomers and hate speech against foreigners, including refugees and asylum-seekers. The discussions should focus on shared understanding and recognition of the national political and legislative systems, rather than on cultural “integration” criteria. 68. The Special Rapporteur was impressed with some fantastic initiatives in the field and witnessed the drive to address, with a democratic approach, contentious issues often reflected in sociopolitical conflicts. Constructive debates that allow the wide range of positions in society to be voiced ultimately support democracy. The authorities must continue to provide lasting support to the work of civil society initiatives and organizations to this end, including using the Democracy Promotion Act and through programmes such as “Live Democracy!” and its “Active against Right-wing Extremism, Violence and Hate” element. Such policies would greatly benefit from a more coherent approach to cultural rights from the Government. 2. Representation of LGBTIQ+ persons 69. The visibility of LGBTIQ+ persons and related issues has been improving, including in the media, and their representation throughout society needs to keep growing to guarantee better consideration for the specific challenges they face. LGBTIQ+ persons have developed an alternative culture and language that reflect their realities. This cultural space, which is much more developed and accessible in urban than in rural contexts, provides them with breathing space to express themselves more freely, and may sometimes represent a chosen family. The pandemic had a devastating effect on the whole of the cultural ecosystem of the country and LGBTIQ+ persons, who have a greater need for dedicated spaces, have suffered in particular from the closure of such spaces. The diversity that LGBTIQ+ persons represent is still seen as a challenge rather than as the expression of another way of life. Many spaces, including places where arts, music and dance are taught, operate with more or less conscious 14 GE.24-01816