A/HRC/23/24 35. States should take all opportunities, including those provided by the Internet, to counter the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, and promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, diversity and democracy while respecting their obligations under articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and its inherent limitations. Extremist political parties, movements and groups pose a significant challenge. In order to ensure full respect for human rights and democratic principles, States, while adopting measures to counter their ideas and biases, should strengthen freedom of expression, which plays an outstanding role in promoting democracy and combating racist and xenophobic ideologies based on racial superiority. 36. Efforts made by States to counter extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazis and skinhead groups, and similar extremist ideological movements should be enhanced through the replication of good practices. In this regard, it is important that good practices be shared more among all relevant stakeholders. The Special Rapporteur recalls the importance of cooperating closely with civil society and international and regional human rights mechanisms to effectively counter extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neoNazis and skinhead groups, and similar extremist ideological movements. In particular, the important role played by civil society in collecting information, working closely with victims and promoting democratic principles and human rights should be emphasized. Similarly, national human rights institutions should be encouraged to develop appropriate programmes to promote tolerance and respect for all persons and all human rights, and to combat extremism. 37. Lastly, preserving and consolidating a democratic society is fundamental to prevent and combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Political leaders and their respective parties should strongly and clearly condemn all political messages that disseminate ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, incitement to racial discrimination or xenophobia. Political leaders have the moral duty to promote tolerance and respect, and they should refrain from forming coalitions with extremist political parties of a racist or xenophobic character. Respect for human rights and freedoms, democracy and the rule of law should be the cornerstone of any programme or activity to ensure that political and legal systems reflect the multicultural character of society. 10