A/HRC/20/38 22. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the capacity of law enforcement agents and members of the judiciary to address crimes motivated by racist or xenophobic attitudes be strengthened through adequate and mandatory human rights training, including training with specific focus on racist and xenophobic crimes perpetrated by individuals linked to extremist political parties, groups and movements. Law enforcement agents should also be provided with the necessary instructions, procedures and resources to identify, investigate and register such crimes. Like his predecessor, the Special Rapporteur emphasizes that States should also ensure that law enforcement agents further engage with vulnerable groups who are at particular risk of racist or xenophobic crimes, in order to reduce their fear, restore confidence in law enforcement officers and allow for better reporting of racist crimes. 23. A significant challenge posed by extremist political parties, movements and groups is the need to ensure full respect for human rights and democratic principles, while adopting measures to counter the rise of such phenomenon. In this context, the positive role that freedom of expression can play in promoting democracy and combating racist and xenophobic ideologies based on racial superiority should be stressed. Indeed, States should take all opportunities, including those provided by the Internet, to counter the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred and promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, diversity and democracy. Therefore the Special Rapporteur strongly recommends that States respect their obligations under articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and determine the limitations thereto. 24. The Special Rapporteur recommends that concrete steps be taken to raise awareness among youth about the adverse effects of the ideologies and activities of extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazi and skinhead groups and similar extremist ideological movements. He recalls that education remains one of the most effective means of countering the negative influence that extremist political parties, movements and groups may have on youth. Reiterating the call in the Durban Programme of Action (para. 136), he urges States to ensure that education and training, especially teacher training, promote respect for human rights and the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and that educational institutions implement policies and programmes agreed by the relevant authorities on equal opportunities, anti-racism, gender equality and cultural, religious and other diversity, with the participation of teachers, parents and students, and follow up on their implementation. 25. In the light of the upcoming sports events in 2012, including the UEFA Euro 2012 championship and the Olympics, the Special Rapporteur calls on States to strengthen measures to prevent racist and xenophobic incidents on these occasions, including by individuals or groups of individuals linked to extremist movements and groups. He reiterates the key role of sport in promoting cultural diversity, tolerance and harmony and recommends that States take advantage of such events to promote racial harmony. The Special Rapporteur further recalls the Durban Programme of Action (para. 218) which urges States, in cooperation with intergovernmental organizations, the International Olympic Committee and international and regional sports federations, to intensify the fight against racism in sport by, among other things, educating the youth of the world through sport practised without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires human understanding, tolerance, fair play and solidarity. 11

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