A/HRC/14/43/Add.2 workplace, but rather discrimination in hiring practices. This problem affects in particular young people with a migration background, who are subject to high unemployment rates. 47. The authorities have been relying on a two-pronged strategy to address this question. On the one hand, a number of actions have been developed to promote professional training of young people with a migration background, such as through apprenticeships. Officials emphasized that in view of the projected population decline in the country over the next decades, a qualified workforce composed of people with migration backgrounds will be essential to the sustainability of the German economy. On the other hand, the Government has also focused on developing actions to promote tolerance and respect for diversity in the workplace and among young people. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur was briefed about a large-scale programme called “XENOS - Integration and Diversity”, which supports action against racism, discrimination and xenophobia in the interface between school, training and professional life. 48. As mentioned above, following his contacts with civil society organizations and associations representing migrant communities, the Special Rapporteur noted that a key problem faced by persons with a migration background is the recognition of diplomas obtained in their own countries. Some key areas such as medicine are particularly problematic. Interlocutors at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs recognize the problem and noted that this issue is being resolved at the regional level through EU standards. They also recognize that non-EU migrants in certain professions face considerable obstacles in obtaining equivalencies for their diplomas, which generally prevents them from integrating into the labour market in areas in which they are qualified. F. The situation of refugees and asylum-seekers 49. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the main institution dealing with these questions at the federal level, was substantively restructured after the adoption of the Immigration Law. In his meeting with the Director of the Office, the Special Rapporteur was informed of a variety of strategies devised by the Office to promote the integration of migrants in Germany and of ongoing statistics regarding the processing of asylum claims. The Director noted that around one third of all asylum claims are processed within two months and roughly 60 per cent are processed within six months. He noted that in general the claims that are delayed for more than six months are those that go to appeal through the court system. 50. The Director also pointed out some key challenges that are presently being addressed. In particular, he highlighted the need for intercultural competencies, particularly among civil servants dealing directly with migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers. To meet this challenge, the Office invests in language and cultural sensitivity training for its staff. In addition, the Director pointed out to the need to ensure that the integration policy is designed to tap the existing potential of migrants. He highlighted the difficulties of recognition of foreign diplomas, which hinders their integration into the labour market. 51. With regard to the issue of housing conditions of refugees and asylum-seekers, the Director noted that the provision of housing is managed at the level of the Länder. The Länder are also responsible for the education of refugees and asylum-seekers and therefore different rules apply throughout the country. 52. Civil society interlocutors recognized the importance of the enactment of the new German Residence Act, which entered into force on 1 January 2005. The Act introduced for the first time mandatory integration measures for refugees and immigrants holding fixedterm residence permits, including language classes and an orientation class, which are both GE.10-11624 13