A/HRC/29/47 A number of far-right political parties have also gained ground in local parliamentary elections, as well as in the European Parliament. 7. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that, in some countries, some mainstream political parties continue to form coalitions with extremist political parties. He emphasizes the need for all democratic political parties to base their programmes and activities on respect for human rights and freedoms, democracy and the rule of law and to condemn political messaging that has the objective of fuelling racist, xenophobic, discriminatory or intolerant ideas. 8. Stigmatization and targeting of vulnerable groups during sustained periods of austerity in some countries continue and with them the increasing tendency of political leaders to blame certain groups for high unemployment rates, cuts in social benefits and increasing poverty. Extremist political parties place the burden of the negative consequences of such crises on foreigners, migrants (including irregular migrants), minority groups, refugees and asylum seekers. Those groups are often perceived as a threat to the standard of living of the general population in those countries. According to information received, individuals from the Muslim and Jewish faiths, as well as those from the Roma communities, have been singled out and stigmatized and, in some cases, have been at the receiving end of intolerance and violence, incited by political leaders. As stated in his thematic report (A/HRC/26/50), political leaders should take all the necessary measures to deal adequately with social and economic issues, especially during periods of economic recession, and not use extremist rhetoric, particularly during electoral campaigns, in order to secure re-election. 9. The Special Rapporteur is reassured, however, by reports from some Eastern European countries that politicians from the same party or coalitions have spoken out against such populist language targeting vulnerable groups. It is essential that mainstream political parties and politicians, including high-level political leaders, clearly and unequivocally condemn expressions of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance. He encourages politicians and political parties to break away from the continuing rhetoric which seeks to inflame tensions rather than build mutual understanding and respect. Echoing the views expressed in his above-mentioned thematic report, he again stresses the importance of addressing such discourse when it arises from within the parties’ own ranks. B. Protecting victims and vulnerable groups against racist and xenophobic crimes 10. The Special Rapporteur has received reports that incidents of racist and xenophobic violence continue to be perpetrated by extremist movements and groups, including neoNazis, skinheads and other right-wing movements, against Roma, Muslims, Jews and nontraditional religious groups and their places of worship. As previously noted in his reports (A/HRC/23/24 and A/HRC/26/50), he continues to be concerned about reports of incidents of harassment and violence against persons of African descent. He is also concerned by information regarding violence against migrants and foreigners, committed by individuals closely linked to far-right nationalist parties, including arson attacks on houses, vandalization of schools and places of worship as well as cases of stabbing of migrants and asylum seekers in the street. Information has further been received regarding threats against Muslim women wearing headscarves, and physical attacks on imams at mosques. There have been reports of Jewish schools being painted with swastikas and slogans against Jews. Jewish cemeteries have been desecrated and gravestones broken and painted with swastikas. He is also concerned at reports of attacks on civil society organizations working on anti-racism issues. 5