A/64/271 German society and political institutions regarding issues of racism. In that regard, reference was made to the adoption of the General Equal Treatment Act in 2006 and to the establishment of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency. The Special Rapporteur also noted with appreciation that the authorities at the highest level recognized that Germany was today a country of immigration. This recognition reflected a commitment of the authorities to address underlying challenges stemming from migration. 18. The Special Rapporteur acknowledged that much had been achieved in the fight against racism in the past few years, but much remained to be done. He identified two critical areas which deserved immediate attention. First, he recommended a broadening of the understanding of racism. While the understanding of racism by the society at large had been equated to right-wing extremism, the Special Rapporteur underlined the necessity to approach the question of racism from the standpoint of structures and institutions that facilitate the integration of migrants in German society. Secondly, he referred to the strong form of federalism in Germany and to the challenges concerning the transformation of Federal laws and programmes into concrete actions at the local level. The Special Rapporteur emphasized the need to ensure that local governments had effective legal and institutional frameworks that responded to the many challenges of the problem of racism. 19. In addition to these core issues, the Special Rapporteur addressed the necessity to strengthen the institutional and legal framework to fight racism and to fight extremist right-wing groups and parties. He also raised the situation of specific communities and the situation of refugees and asylum-seekers which was referred to as a major concern. The question of education, housing, employment and political participation of persons with a migrant background or coming from minority ethnic or religious backgrounds was also considered by the Special Rapporteur as deserving particular attention by the Government. He strongly recommended that special measures be taken to ensure an adequate representation of persons with a migrant background in State institutions — particularly in the areas of employment, education and the creation of political opportunities, including in the civil service — in order to correct existing imbalances and to offer such persons adequate opportunities to make a lasting contribution to German society. 3. Forthcoming mission to the United Arab Emirates 20. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of the United Arab Emirates, who have agreed to invite the Special Rapporteur for a country visit from 5 to 9 October 2009. This visit will constitute the first visit of a special procedure mandate holder to the United Arab Emirates and the Special Rapporteur is very much looking forward to engage in a constructive dialogue with the authorities on all matters related to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. 6 09-45097