Indicator history

Several initiatives have been implemented at the provincial and local level in order to promote integration of migrants, inter alia with the aim to combat discrimination. Most of these initiatives are focussing on imposing duties to migrants, but some can serve as good examples.

In Upper Austria a so-called Mission Statement on Integration (Integrationsleitbild) has been elaborated, which aims at building the basis for the development of a future-oriented, process based strategy for integration and co-existence of residents with Austrian as well as with migrant background. It shows a different attitude towards integration than at federal level. It especially focuses on eliminating structural barriers leading to social inequalities and at equality of opportunities for all. The procedure of elaboration of the mission statement was characterised by a mainstreaming as well as participatory approach aiming at tackling all areas of societal life and involving a bundle of relevant stakeholder as well as regional authorities.

The city of Vienna is also very active in developing strategies against discrimination and fostering equal participation of all. The Department for Integration and Diversity Issues is trying to initiate and carry through a change management process aiming at creating more equality of opportunities and representation of diversity within its workforce. Accompanying the service of providing counselling for any activities related to integration and diversity the department developed a self-assessment tool providing other departments with the possibility to check their level of diversity and assisting in developing, implementing and evaluating their diversity strategies. The department for integration and diversity is continuously accompanying the process and is providing its expertise for the development and implementation of tailor-made solutions for the fields of action identified.

Sources:

Land Oberösterreich (2008) Einbeziehen statt einordnen. Integrationsleitbild des Landes Oberösterreich, http://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/cps/rde/xbcr/SID-7E9996CD-A4D69099/ooe/So_Integrationsleitbild.pdf

Inetgrationsorientiertes Diversitätsmanagement der Stadt Wien: http://www.wien.gv.at/menschen/integration/diversitaet/stadt.html