A/HRC/35/42 populism … has been a long-term process that has already been well under way at the time of the … Great Recession. 1 13. The Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Philip Alston, also raised the alarm in his 2015 report to the Human Rights Council on the rising inequalities of income and distribution of wealth, highlighting the fact that economic inequality was often accompanied by political inequality, meaning that not all citizens were able to equally exercise their democratic rights (see A/HRC/29/31, paras. 8, 10 and 19). 14. Similarly, the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky, in his report on his visit to institutions of the European Union, warned about the growing inequalities of income and wealth in the European Union and made reference to a recent report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, that deplored not only an increase in the number of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion and in homelessness, but also warned about increased social unrest and violent expressions of extremist ideology and xenophobia in the context of the economic crisis, impairing civil and political rights (see A/HRC/34/57/Add.1, para. 40). 15. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur notes that, in two distinct political campaigns in Western Europe and North America, populist ideology gained the upper hand and resulted in a rise in attacks against migrants, refugees and members of minority communities following the result of the votes. 16. He expresses continuous and deep concern at the persistence of violent incidents based on nationalism, racism, xenophobia and related intolerance worldwide. 17. The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned about the growing influence of extremist political parties, movements or groups in several countries. In Eastern Europe and North America, there has been a continuous trend of parliamentary seats as well as leading governmental positions won by representatives of extremist political parties, or by political leaders with populist views. A number of far-right and populist political parties and movements have gained ground in local and national parliamentary elections in these regions as well as in Western European countries, including in the European Parliament. The Special Rapporteur expresses grave concern about the fact that such parties are gaining influence, as this trend has resulted in the implementation of discriminatory measures, policies and bills at the local or national levels. He recalls the importance for democratic parties to promote programmes and activities based on the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. According to information received, some European Governments have contributed to fuelling hatred and hostility towards migrants and minority groups, for example through controversial populist campaigns and racist and xenophobic public statements. 18. The Special Rapporteur expresses grave concern at the increase of populist language and hate speech in political discourse, even among mainstream political parties. Allegations regarding a racist statement by a Member of Parliament in a Southern European country have been received, as well as allegations of incitement to discrimination and violence against minority groups by a prominent member of a political party in South-East Asia. As underlined in his thematic report of 2016 (A/HRC/29/47), the Special Rapporteur expresses concern at the coalitions formed between mainstream and extremist parties, and recalls that mainstream political parties should clearly and publicly condemn expressions of racism, xenophobia and related violence. 19. The Special Rapporteur also expresses concern regarding the implementation of specific counter-terrorism measures, especially in certain Western countries. Such measures often grant great discretionary power to police forces, especially when it comes to identity checks, and could lead to further discrimination and violence towards minority groups, 1 4 Hanspeter Kriesi and Takis S Pappas, eds., European Populism in the Shadow of the Great Recession. (Colchester, ECPR Press, 2015).