A/HRC/26/50 45. The Special Rapporteur notes with satisfaction the adoption of national action plans and policies to combat racism and racial discrimination and to promote the social integration of individuals belonging to minorities. Cooperation with relevant international and regional human rights mechanisms and with civil society is also important. In that respect, the Special Rapporteur appreciates the engagement of States with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the special procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council. 46. The Special Rapporteur notes with interest that some States and national human rights institutions have developed data collection systems on hate crimes, including crimes committed against individuals on the grounds of race, colour, ethnicity, origin or minority status, citizenship, language, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender or transgender status. It was also reported that some States collect data specifically on racist crimes committed by members of extremist groups. The Special Rapporteur also noted that, in the absence of official data in some States, non-governmental organizations play a key role in collecting statistical data on hate crimes. He welcomes those initiatives, which facilitate the assessment of the prevalence of such crimes and the impact of legislation. 47. Addressing the root causes of extremist political parties, movements and groups is crucial and education is a key means to address such a challenging phenomenon. The Special Rapporteur welcomes initiatives developed by civil society organizations, such as educational activities aimed at unmasking extremist ideologies in secondary schools and monitoring racially motivated incidents at sporting events. Those measures also appear to be among the positive steps taken by States in response to the rise of extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazis, skinhead groups and similar extremist ideological movements. The Special Rapporteur notes with satisfaction that human rights education is of particular importance for a number of States. Other positive examples identified include the training of law enforcement agents. The Special Rapporteur notes in particular that, in some cases, compulsory human rights training sessions were developed for the judiciary and police and that specific units dealing with hate crimes and racism were also established, including within the Public Prosecutor’s Office. 48. A number of good practices were also identified with respect to awareness-raising activities to foster tolerance and respect for cultural diversity and to strengthen intercultural dialogue. They include the organization of cultural events, art festivals of national minorities, exhibitions, concerts, forums and seminars, and the publication of books and brochures promoting cultural diversity. The Special Rapporteur encourages such initiatives, which offer a space for further intercultural dialogue and interaction. Other initiatives, such as information broadcasts on radio, television and the Internet aimed at promoting acceptance and tolerance among different ethnic groups, are also appreciated. Mainstream media in some countries have reportedly started to recognize the cultural benefits minorities bring and to promote the idea of improving living and working conditions for members of minorities. VII. Conclusions and recommendations 49. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the efforts made by States to counter extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazis, skinhead groups and similar extremist ideological movements. While good practices have been identified, important challenges remain; they require greater efforts and increased vigilance. The rise in extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazis, skinhead groups and similar extremist ideological movements, continues to 11