A/HRC/23/19 preventing and combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The Working Group emphasizes the importance of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as an instrumental source for education, in particular in the elaboration of educational programmes and plans aimed at addressing negative stereotypes that appear to be the enduring legacy of historical injustices, and in countering all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including contemporary ones. 130. The Working Group recognizes the positive contribution that the exercise of the right to freedom of expression particularly by the media and new technologies, including the Internet, and full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information can make to the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; the Working Group reiterates the need to respect the editorial independence and autonomy of the media in this regard. 131. The Working Group notes with regret that certain media, by promoting false images and negative stereotypes of vulnerable individuals or groups of individuals, particularly of migrants and refugees, have contributed to the spread of xenophobic and racist sentiments among the public and in some cases have encouraged violence by racist individuals and groups. 132. The Working Group condemns political platforms and organizations based on racism, xenophobia or doctrines of racial superiority and related discrimination, as well as legislation and practices based on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as incompatible with democracy and transparent and accountable governance. The Working Group reaffirms that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance condoned by governmental policies violate human rights and may endanger friendly relations among peoples, cooperation among nations and international peace and security. 133. The Working Group reiterates that the preservation and promotion of tolerance, pluralism and respect for diversity is important in producing more inclusive societies. Furthermore, the Working Group strongly encourages political parties and political leaders to take actions in their work to combat the continuing incidents of racial or religious intolerance and violence manifested in particular by the derogatory stereotyping and stigmatization of persons based on their religion or belief. The Working Group also strongly encourages all political parties and politicians to take an active and firm stance in combating hate speech, incitement to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including vis-à-vis their own membership and candidates. 134. The Working Groups invites OHCHR to continue cooperating with the InterParliamentary Union with a view to mobilizing parliaments and parliamentarians in their role in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. C. The enhancement of international and regional cooperation with regard to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action 135. The Working Group underlines the importance of international and regional cooperation and encourages Member States to enhance and deepen their cooperation in the full and effective implementation of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 19