A/HRC/18/44 (A/HRC/15/45, para. 29), data on racist and xenophobic crimes help States to develop effective policies and programmes to tackle crimes motivated by racist or xenophobic attitudes, to assess and monitor the effectiveness of measures taken, and to review existing legislation when necessary. The collection of such data can also help States to identify the types of offences committed and the characteristics of victims and perpetrators, especially if they are affiliated with an extremist political party, movement or group. 38. The Special Rapporteur also recommends that States strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agents and members of the judiciary through adequate and mandatory human rights training, with a focus on crimes motivated by racist or xenophobic attitudes. Law enforcement agents should be provided with the necessary instructions, procedures and resources to identify, investigate and register racist and xenophobic crimes. 39. Concrete steps should be taken to raise awareness among the population about the adverse effects of the ideologies and activities of extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazis and skinhead groups, and similar extremist ideological movements. The organization of cultural events, festivals, conferences, seminars, competitions, exhibitions, research work and publications, as well as information campaigns and other events aimed at providing a space for intercultural dialogue and interaction, are further positive measures which contribute to the building of a society based on pluralism, tolerance, respect for cultural diversity, multiculturalism and non-discrimination. The Special Rapporteur emphasize that human rights education is a key tool in countering the rise of extremist political parties, movements and groups. Educational measures are indeed crucial in promoting human rights and democratic values at an early age. 40. Preserving and consolidating democracy is essential to effectively prevent and combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. In this regard, political leaders and political parties must strongly condemn all political messages that disseminate ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, incitement to racial discrimination or xenophobia. Political leaders and political parties should be aware of the moral authority that they bear, and promote tolerance and respect, and refrain from forming coalitions with extremist political parties of a racist or xenophobic character. Respect for human rights and freedoms, democracy and the rule of law must always be the cornerstone of any programme or activity developed by political parties, while they bear in mind the need to ensure that the political and legal systems reflect the multicultural character of their societies at all levels. 41. Efforts made by States to counter extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazis and skinhead groups, and similar extremist ideological movements should be enhanced through the replication of good practices. In this regard, it is important that the sharing of good practices among all relevant stakeholders be increased. Indeed, as stated in the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, a broad sharing of best practices in all regions of the world aimed at preventing, combating and eradicating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance can assist Governments, Parliaments, the judiciary, social partners and civil society in the effective implementation of the provisions of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 42. To conclude, the Special Rapporteur would like to recall the importance of cooperating closely with civil society and international and regional human rights mechanisms to effectively counter extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazis and skinhead groups, and similar extremist ideological movements. The Special Rapporteur emphasizes in particular the important role played by civil society in collecting information, working closely with victims and promoting democratic principles and human rights. The Special Rapporteur also calls 11