A/HRC/20/26/Add.1 diversity is too frequently addressed through ad hoc programmes and non-institutionalized practices. While a number of initiatives are in place, there is no coherent framework underpinning these. In some cases, the information concerning the funding of activities is also unavailable. Integration 71. The Independent Expert welcomes the adoption of a national action plan on integration addressing areas such as education, language, employment, judiciary, social services, and intercultural dialogue. She finds it encouraging that the plan was adopted in consultation with experts and civil society. However, she insists that the cultural diversity of the country should not be regarded as a problem to be fixed and that integration policies should not be narrowly defined from an assimilationist approach. Promoting cultural rights and diversity requires that communities have access to their own cultures as well as those of others. The protection and promotion of minority cultures should not be compartmentalized, resulting in further isolation and ghettoization. Instead, efforts must be made to encourage cross-cultural exchanges for a pluralistic society in which everyone can contribute equally. 72. In this regard, it is of concern that integration affairs (through the newly created State Secretariat of Integration) have been placed within the Ministry of the Interior, which might suggest that “integration” is a matter of law and order rather than an opportunity to benefit from and to enhance the richness of the country‟s diverse cultures and cultural traditions. 73. The Independent Expert acknowledges the important role played by the European Integration and Refugee Funds in assisting and promoting the integration of third-country nationals with residence permits, refugees and asylum seekers. However, she believes that the criteria used for project funding should be substantially enhanced and an independent approval body established to enhance transparency and to eliminate any possibility of a conflict of interest between the institution administering the disbursement of funds and the recipients of such funding, as suggested by those interviewed. Security forces and public administration 74. The security forces and other public officials play an essential role in ensuring respect for and the protection of human rights of all persons living in Austria. Current efforts to fight intolerance, racism and xenophobia among public officials include the welcome introduction of human rights training for security forces and the judiciary. Nonetheless, there are reports of discrimination in the criminal justice system and of excessive use of police force against members of minorities or migrants, particularly of Roma or African origin.60 75. Furthermore, the fact that few public federal officials, including personnel in prisons and detention centres, speak languages other than German hinders adequate implementation of the rights of the non-German speaking sectors of the population, in particular people with a migrant background. 76. The Independent Expert commends the authorities concerned for actively encouraging persons with migrant backgrounds to join the police in Vienna. The recruitment campaign “Vienna needs you” aimed at diversifying the police force and increasing the percentage of police officers in Vienna with an immigrant background is a positive example. The Independent Expert urges the Government to undertake similar 60 See also ACFC/OP/III(2011)005, para. 60. 17