A/HRC/29/47 groups and similar extremist ideological movements. While good practices have been identified, important challenges remain, such as the rise in extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazis, skinhead groups and similar extremist ideological movements, which continue to pose major human rights and democratic challenges. Greater vigilance from all States and relevant actors is therefore required. In that regard, the Special Rapporteur is of the view that a comprehensive approach based on a solid legal framework, complemented by other measures including key policy measures such as education and awareness-raising programmes, and a victimcentred approach, should be further developed and implemented. Good practices such as those mentioned in the present report should also be exchanged on a regular basis among all actors working in the field. To that end, the Special Rapporteur makes the following specific recommendations. 44. As long as extremist political parties, movements and groups continue to exist legally or illegally, they will remain a major challenge to democracy. In that regard, States should always bear in mind that preserving and consolidating the values of democracy are essential to preventing and combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance effectively. Political leaders and parties must therefore strongly condemn all messages disseminating ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, incitement to racial discrimination or xenophobia. They should be aware of the moral authority they bear, promote tolerance and respect, and refrain from forming coalitions with extremist parties of a racist or xenophobic character. Respect for human rights and freedoms, democracy and the rule of law should always be the cornerstone of all their programmes and activities, bearing in mind the need to ensure that political and legal systems reflect the multicultural character of their societies. Legislative measures 45. As stated in paragraph 13 of the outcome document of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence should be prohibited by law, as should be the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, incitement to racial discrimination as well as all acts of violence or incitement to such acts. In that regard, the Special Rapporteur calls upon all States to respect the commitments made in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which is a comprehensive framework for action against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. He also recommends that States adopt legislation that conforms to international human rights standards, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, paying particular attention to their obligations under article 4 of the Convention. In that connection, in order to prevent and address in an effective manner the commission of racist or xenophobic crimes by individuals and groups of individuals closely linked to extremist political parties, movements and groups, States should introduce into domestic criminal law a provision to the effect that the commission of an offence with racist, xenophobic, antiSemitic or homophobic motivation or aim constitutes an aggravating circumstance attracting heavier sanctions. 46. The Special Rapporteur reiterates that States have the obligation to prosecute the perpetrators of crimes with racist, xenophobic, anti-Semitic or homophobic motivations and to fight against impunity. States should ensure prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into those crimes, and that those responsible are adequately sanctioned. 12