A/HRC/RES/18/15 Acknowledging that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in its second, third and fifth preambular paragraphs, recognizes, inter alia, that the diversity and richness of civilizations and cultures constitute the common heritage of humankind, Recognizing that individuals belonging to groups in a vulnerable situation, such as migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, continue to be the main victims of violence and attacks perpetrated or incited by extremist political parties, movements and groups, Reaffirming that acts of racial violence do not constitute legitimate expressions of opinion, but rather unlawful acts or offences, and that acts of racism and discrimination endorsed by Governments and public authorities may threaten democracy, Recognizing the importance of freedom of speech and expression and the fundamental role of education and other active policies in the promotion of tolerance and respect for others and in the construction of pluralistic and inclusive societies, 1. Reaffirms that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance condoned by governmental policies violate human rights, as established in the relevant international and regional human rights instruments, and may endanger friendly relations and cooperation among nations, international peace and security and the harmony of persons living side by side within one and the same State; 2. Also reaffirms that any form of impunity condoned by public authorities for crimes motivated by racist and xenophobic attitudes plays a role in weakening the rule of law and democracy and tends to encourage the recurrence of such acts; 3. Emphasizes that democracy, transparent, responsible, accountable and participatory governance responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people, and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are essential for the effective prevention and elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; 4. Also emphasizes that the elimination of all forms of discrimination as well as diverse forms of intolerance, the promotion and protection of rights of indigenous peoples and the respect for ethnic, cultural and religious diversity contribute to strengthening and promoting democracy and political participation; 5. 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; 6. Urges States to reinforce their commitment to promote tolerance and human rights and to fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as a way to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and transparent and accountable governance; 7. Also urges States to ensure that their political and legal systems reflect the multicultural diversity within their societies through promoting diversity, and to improve democratic institutions, making them more fully participatory and inclusive and avoiding marginalization and exclusion of, and discrimination against, specific sectors of society; 8. Underlines the key role that political leaders and political parties can and ought to play in strengthening democracy by combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and encourages political parties to take concrete steps to promote respect, solidarity and tolerance, and, in that respect, recognizes, inter alia, that developing voluntary codes of conduct that include internal disciplinary measures for 2