A/HRC/23/24 B. Protecting vulnerable groups against racist and xenophobic crimes 10. The Special Rapporteur was informed about the continuing persistence of incidents of racist and xenophobic violence perpetrated by extremist movements and groups, including neo-Nazis, skinheads and other right-wing movements in some countries, in particular in Eastern and Southern Europe. In this regard, he is concerned about reported cases of violence and harassment perpetrated by neo-Nazis and skinheads against individuals of African descent. He is also concerned by information indicating that Roma continue to be at a high risk of racist and xenophobic violence by individuals or groups with close ties with extremist political parties, movements and groups. Furthermore, reports indicating that, in some countries, Muslims and Jews have been targeted by individuals or groups linked to extremist political parties, movements or groups and have been victims of physical attacks, perpetrated by individuals belonging to extreme right-wing movements, are of particular concern to the Special Rapporteur. In a similar pattern, reports indicate the painting of swastikas on monuments dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust or in religious cemeteries, as well as anti-Semitic acts, by neo-Nazi groups registered as legal entities under different names. 11. The Special Rapporteur also received reports about incidents against migrants and foreigners committed by individuals closely linked to far-right nationalist parties, including attacks on houses where immigrants live, arson attacks on houses and places of worship, cases of the beating and stabbing of foreign students, migrants and asylum seekers in the street, and racist demonstrations in areas frequented by foreign students, migrants and asylum seekers that led to them being injured. In some cases, vigilante groups comprising members of extremist political parties, together with local residents, had patrolled certain areas and intimidated and threatened migrants, foreign students and asylum seekers, forcing them to relocate and thus creating “foreign-free” zones. The Special Rapporteur was also informed about racist demonstrations organized by extreme right groups propagating xenophobic ideas and degenerating in riots, leaving foreigners and migrants who happened to be there injured. The States concerned should take the measures necessary to ensure that perpetrators of racially motivated acts are held responsible and brought to justice. States should also pay due attention to the victims of such crimes by providing them with effective means to make complaints and access to effective remedies. 12. The Special Rapporteur was also informed about attempts by extreme-right groups to falsify history. Such attempts of revisionism contribute to the rehabilitation and dissemination of Nazism and other extreme ideologies, and create fertile ground for nationalist and neo-Nazi manifestations. The Special Rapporteur is concerned about alleged attempts to reward veterans of the Second World War who had enrolled voluntarily with the Nazi and Axis forces when their country was forcibly occupied by those armies. Serious action should be taken by States to prevent revisionism of the Second World War, the denial of the Holocaust and the Nazi genocide and the glorification of Nazi criminals, which lead to the growth of neo-Nazi, xenophobic and anti-Semitic sentiments and serve to foment inter-ethnic conflicts. 13. The Special Rapporteur was also informed of cases of extremism in police forces. In certain countries, some members of the police force openly propagate extreme-right, nationalist and xenophobic ideas and discourse in their official capacity as guardians of the public order and as civil servants of the State. He is also concerned at allegations that such police officers are reluctant to intervene and receive complaints from victims of racist and xenophobic crimes. This situation further reinforces the impunity of extremist and vigilante groups. Furthermore, it also strengthens the legitimate fear of the victims, who are even more reluctant to report racist or xenophobic acts, especially if they are in an undocumented situation. 5