A/HRC/26/50 6. Reports received show that extremist political parties, movements and groups have gained influence in a number of countries and regions. Indeed, according to information received, in recent years the number of seats occupied by representatives of extremist and populist political parties has continued to increase, especially in local and regional parliaments. Similar trends of particular concern were also reported at the regional and municipal levels, where a number of far-right political parties managed to obtain seats during local parliamentary elections, especially throughout Europe. 7. An important challenge in countering racism is the sometimes equivocal position taken by mainstream political parties. The Special Rapporteur is concerned about information received indicating that, in some countries, traditional political parties continue to form coalitions with extremist political parties. The Special Rapporteur recalls that it is crucial that democratic political parties base their programmes and activities on respect for human rights and freedoms, democracy and the rule of law and condemn any political message aimed at fuelling racist, xenophobic, discriminatory or intolerant ideas. It is imperative that political leaders avoid playing the game of populism in order to gain votes and support, and take all the necessary measures to deal adequately with social and economic issues, particularly in the current period of economic crisis, and the discontent and mistrust of traditional political parties sometimes manifested by voters. 8. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur received reports indicating that rhetoric disseminated by extremist political parties blaming migrants for political, economic and social problems continues to be popular. He emphasizes that it is important that a strong stance be taken by traditional political parties and their leaders against expressions of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance when they originate in their own ranks. B. The persistence of persecution, racial violence and xenophobic crimes against vulnerable groups 9. In the current period of continued economic crisis and uncertainty, non-citizens, members of minorities, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are still the main scapegoats of extremist political parties that have a xenophobic and racist agenda, which blame them for the social problems of the population and sometimes incite intolerance and violence against them. 10. Indeed, an increase in incidents involving racist violence perpetrated by extremist movements and groups, including neo-Nazis, skinheads and other right-wing movements, was reported in some countries, particularly in Eastern and Southern Europe. In that regard, the Special Rapporteur 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 have been the target of intolerance and blamed for criminality by mainstream political parties and Governments in Europe and continue to be at a high risk of racist and xenophobic violence by individuals or groups with close ties to extremist political parties, movements and groups. Cases of attacks by skinheads against groups of Roma leading to injuries were also reported in Southern and Eastern Europe. Similarly, far-right groups have targeted houses and settlements inhabited by Roma. Furthermore, according to information received, threatening fascist messages and swastikas have been frequently tagged on Roma houses or near their settlements. Also of particular concern are reports indicating that in some countries, Muslims, Jews, gays and lesbians have been physically targeted by those same individuals or groups linked to extremist political parties, movements or groups. 4