A/HRC/26/50 11. The Special Rapporteur received reports about incidents against migrants and foreigners committed by individuals closely linked to far-right nationalist parties, including arson attacks on housing where immigrants live and places of worship, cases of beatings and stabbings of migrants and asylum seekers in the street, and racist demonstrations in areas frequented by migrants and asylum seekers which have led to them being injured and harassed. It was reported, for instance, that several marches against irregular migrants were organized in Eastern Europe by individuals belonging to far-right groups, and were followed by violent attacks against migrants. Other foreigners, including students, have also been targeted. In that regard, it was reported that raids have been organized by far-right groups on dormitories where a number of foreign students were living. It was also reported that, in some cases, vigilante groups comprising members of extremist political parties together with local residents have been patrolling certain areas and intimidating, threatening and attacking migrants. 12. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that in some instances, activities carried out by individuals linked to extremist groups or movements, including the distribution of leaflets and posters propagating hatred against migrants, have contributed to increased hostility against foreigners and migrants among the local population. It is important for the States concerned to take the necessary measures to ensure that the perpetrators of racially motivated acts are held responsible and brought to justice. States must also pay due attention to the victims of such crimes by providing them with effective means to make complaints and access to effective remedies through the justice system. 13. In addition, it was reported that in some countries, anti-immigrant border vigilante groups have attacked, harassed and sometimes killed individuals they perceived to be irregular migrants. In that connection, the Special Rapporteur warns States about the adoption and implementation of policy and legislative measures targeting migrants, especially irregular migrants, which may contribute to exacerbating xenophobic violence and hostility against them. 14. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that individuals in vigilante groups also target persons on the basis of their sexual orientation. He was informed about attacks by individuals linked to extreme right and neo-Nazi groups who had beaten homosexual men and lesbian women during or after public demonstrations calling for the recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights. It was also reported that extreme right and neo-Nazi groups have filmed attacks on gay men they had kidnapped, beaten and humiliated, then posted the clips on social networks and encouraged others to imitate those acts. The Special Rapporteur draws the attention of States and relevant authorities to prejudice and behaviour that tends to stigmatize and place individuals in a single category, whether racial or sexual, and calls for better protection for the LGBT community against extremist groups and discrimination. 15. The Special Rapporteur recalls that the identity of each individual is made up of a multitude of components, including race and ethnicity, gender, age, nationality, profession, sexual orientation, political opinion, religious affiliation and social origin. It is essential that appropriate measures be taken by States to address the multiple and often interlinked forms of discrimination faced by individuals on the basis of their race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin and sexual orientation. The Special Rapporteur calls for further tolerance, mutual understanding and respect for all, without prejudice, stereotyping or discrimination of any kind. 5