A/77/512 supremacist, racist and xenophobic projects, especially the project of white nationalism, and other extreme right-wing ideologies. This broadening of neo-Nazism has made it more accessible, and by forging allegiances with other groups espousing ideologies of racial hatred and superiority – including ideologies of white nationalism – neo-Nazi groups have expanded their reach. As elucidated below, political leaders and even government officials at the highest level have regrettably been complicit in this expansion. B. Increased acceptance of neo-Nazi and related racism, xenophobia and intolerance within mainstream discourses and forums 47. As was also highlighted in her report to the thirty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council (ibid.), the Special Rapporteur expresses her deep concerns at the growing presence of expressions of Nazism, neo-Nazism and fascism in politics worldwide, especially in several European and North American countries. Neo-Nazi groups today are emboldened by prominent populist leaders who share their beliefs and espouse the same rhetoric as they do. Indeed, the rise of populism and, especially, right-wing, nationalist populism has, in some countries, aided the popularity of neo-Nazi ideologies and related racism, xenophobia and intolerance. Although many nationalist populist leaders in Europe, North America and Australia formally disavow neo-Nazi ideology, they nonetheless express support for racist and xenophobic tenets that are premised on similar ideologies of racial superiority that are at the core of neo-Nazi ideology. All theories of racial superiority, and all efforts to scapegoat persons on the basis of their race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or related status make the work of neo-Nazis easier. Even where neo-Nazis are not formally included in Government, the presence therein of extreme right-wing ideologues can have the effect of injecting into governance and political discourse the very same ideologies that make neo-Nazism so dangerous. 48. Right-wing populism spreads and exploits antipathy towards ethnic, racial or religious minorities by accusing these groups of having co-opted political elites for their own advancement. Furthermore, as another Special Rapporteur has also noted, in times of great, and ever increasing, social, political and economic anxiety in the global North, it is among those who perceive themselves as the most marginalized (including among white majorities) that such antipathy can gain easy traction. To exploit the public’s dissatisfaction with, and fear and resentment of, the conditions of the State and personal circumstances, right-wing populists adopt and advance opinions and trends that are likely to fuel populist mobilization. 49. In sum, white supremacist and neo-Nazi ideologies have a symbiotic relationship with right-wing populism, each strengthening the other. By adopting the language and core ideas of these extreme ideologies, right-wing populists gain political power by mobilizing these groups to vote for them. In turn, when populist politicians gain mainstream success, white nationalist and neo-Nazi ideas become more socially acceptable. Emboldened by seeing leaders sympathetic to their cause in Government, white supremacists and neo-Nazis increasingly occupy public platforms and recruit new members. C. Use of new technologies to further neo-Nazism and related racism, xenophobia and intolerance 50. In her report to the thirty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council (ibid.), the Special Rapporteur presented analysis on the use of new technologies to further neo-Nazism and related racism, xenophobia and intolerance. She noted, with alarm, 10/20 22-22915

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