A/HRC/20/26/Add.1 including those in the field of culture, paying special attention to the needs of more marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, the economically insecure and cultural communities outside the mainstream. 104. The Independent Expert recommends that the Ombudspersons for Equal treatment be granted competence to initiate and participate in court proceedings and given the necessary human and financial resources to conduct their activities. 105. The Independent Expert recommends that Austria ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as the Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention). 106. Lastly, the Independent Expert strongly recommends that the Government of Austria give adequate follow-up to the recommendations made by United Nations human rights treaty bodies and in the context of the country’s universal periodic review before the Human Rights Council. 107. The Independent Expert looks forward to continuing engagement and cooperation with the Government of Austria with a view to strengthening the ongoing dialogue on these important issues. 22

Select target paragraph3