A/HRC/15/45 develop effective policies and programmes to tackle racially-motivated crimes and incidents, assess and monitor the effectiveness of the measures taken, and review the legislation when necessary. 30. As reaffirmed during the 2001 World Conference against Racism, political platforms and organizations based on racism, xenophobia or doctrines of racial superiority and related discrimination are incompatible with democracy and transparent and accountable governance. The Special Rapporteur similarly reiterates that the preservation of democracy is essential to prevent, combat and eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance effectively. He therefore emphasizes the key role that political leaders and political parties have to play, and calls upon them to provide answers to the populist and oversimplified statements of extremist political parties, movements and groups by re-establishing the facts associated with the issues posed by, inter alia, immigration, insecurity and unemployment, and by refuting illogical claims through reasoned argument. 31. In addition, the Special Rapporteur recommends that political parties work towards fair representation of national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities within and at all levels of their party system, to ensure that their political and legal systems reflect the multicultural diversity of their societies. He also recommends that they base their programmes and activities on respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. Political parties should, in this context, refuse to enter into any alliance with extremist parties of a racist or xenophobic character to form majorities wielding political power in a given State. 32. Responding to extremist political parties, movements and groups from a legal perspective only is far from sufficient. Indeed, restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association, or the strict regulation of activities of political parties will not bring about by themselves the changes needed in mindsets, perceptions and discourse to prevent the emergence of or challenge the existence of extremist political parties, movements and groups. It is indeed necessary to tackle the root causes of this phenomenon with a much broader set of policy measures aimed at curbing racism and xenophobia. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur recommends that States take concrete steps to raise the population’s awareness about the adverse effects of the ideology and activities of extremist political parties, movements and groups. Education is a key tool in promoting democratic values and human rights and instilling a sense of tolerance, understanding and respect at an early age. Other creative measures may also help to contribute to the construction of pluralistic and inclusive societies. Such measures might include initiatives in the field of intercultural dialogue, art exhibitions, performances or conferences. They might help open a space for various groups of the population to merge and debate specific issues of their choice. 33. Lastly, the Special Rapporteur strongly emphasizes the role played by civil society in fostering tolerance, understanding, democratic principles and human rights. As such, he recommends that States cooperate closely with all relevant civil society actors in developing and implementing measures aimed at countering extremist political parties, movements and groups and at fighting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance more generally. GE.10-15022 9