A/HRC/14/43/Add.2 On the role of the media 79. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the media engage in an autonomous and independent discussion on its role in eliminating prejudice and ensuring that there is no perpetuation of stereotypes regarding minority communities. In particular, media outlets, in cooperation with universities, should seriously engage in enhanced professional training for their professionals, ensuring high standards of conduct and sensitivity concerning issues related to racism. On economic, social and cultural rights 80. The Special Rapporteur recommends that: (a) The Government continue its efforts to implement the recommendations presented by the Special Rapporteur on the right to education following his visit to Germany in 2006. In particular, the Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government engage in a profound reflection on how to address the underperformance of children with a migration background; (b) An appropriate scheme be put in place to ensure that diplomas obtained abroad, particularly outside the European Union, are properly recognized so that the holders of such diplomas may present themselves to the job market on a competitive basis; (c) The General Equal Treatment Act be amended in order to eliminate the exception granted to landlords, allowing them to discriminate in order to “create and maintain stable social structures regarding inhabitants and balanced settlement structures, as well as balanced economic, social and cultural conditions”. While this provision may have been created to promote integration, its broad nature can be detrimental to such efforts by in effect allowing for discrimination. On the wearing of religious symbols 81. Restrictions to the wearing of religious symbols should not lead to either overt discrimination or camouflaged differentiation depending on the religion or belief involved, and exceptions to the prohibition of wearing religious symbols should not be tailored to the predominant or incumbent religion or belief.8 The Special Rapporteur therefore recommends that a review be undertaken of the existing legislation in several Länder which prohibits the wearing of religious symbols by public schoolteachers and may have a discriminatory effect on Muslim women. On refugees and asylum-seekers 82. The Special Rapporteur strongly recommends that the Government ensure that asylum-seekers’ applications are processed in a short period of time and that reception centres for asylum-seekers provide them with reasonable living conditions, including access to education and health services. Freedom of movement should be ensured while asylum claim applications are pending or when refugee status has been granted. 83. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government examine the current conditions of reception centres for asylum-seekers in order to ensure that such centres provide dignified accommodation and ensure that the economic, social and cultural rights of asylum-seekers are respected. 8 20 See E/CN.4/2006/5, para. 55. GE.10-11624