Global efforts for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action A/RES/67/155 Alarmed at the increase in racist violence and xenophobic ideas in many parts of the world, in political circles, in the sphere of public opinion and in society at large as a result, inter alia, of the resurgent activities of associations established on the basis of racist and xenophobic platforms and charters and the persistent use of those platforms and charters to promote or incite racist ideologies, Underlining the importance of urgently eliminating continuing and violent trends involving racism and racial discrimination, and conscious that any form of impunity for crimes motivated by racist and xenophobic attitudes plays a role in weakening the rule of law and democracy, tends to encourage the recurrence of such crimes and requires resolute action and cooperation for its eradication, Recognizing that individuals belonging to vulnerable groups, such as migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, continue to be the main victims of violence and attacks perpetrated or incited by extremist political parties, movements and groups that have a xenophobic and racist agenda, Acknowledging the central role of resource mobilization, effective global partnership and international cooperation in the context of paragraphs 157 and 158 of the Durban Programme of Action for the successful realization of the primary objectives and commitments undertaken at the World Conference, Expressing grave concern that the principal objective of combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance has not been attained, in particular owing to the lack of progress made in the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, in particular key paragraphs 157 to 159 thereof, and that countless human beings continue to be victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Recognizing that poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion and economic disparities are closely associated with racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and contribute to the persistence of racist attitudes and practices, which in turn generate more poverty, Expressing concern that the current financial and economic crisis and its consequences with respect to poverty and unemployment may have further contributed to the rise of extremist political parties, movements and groups and exacerbated identity-related issues and that, in this period of economic crisis, non-citizens, members of minorities, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are still the main scapegoats of extremist political parties that have a xenophobic and racist agenda and that sometimes incite racial discrimination and violence against them, Welcoming the continued commitment of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to profiling and increasing the visibility of the struggle against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and recognizing the need for the High Commissioner to make this a cross-cutting issue in the activities and programmes of her Office, Expressing concern at manifestations of intolerance based on religion or belief that can generate hatred and violence among individuals composing different nations, and in this regard emphasizing the importance of respect for religious and cultural diversity, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue, which contribute to promoting a culture of tolerance and respect among individuals, societies and nations, 3/13