A/HRC/20/38 individuals of African descent.1 He is also concerned by information indicating that Roma continue to be at a high risk of racist and xenophobic violence by individuals or groups closely linked to extremist political parties, movements and groups. For instance it was reported that groups of neo-Nazi armed with knives and metal sticks attacked Roma settlements where Roma children, women and older people lived. Furthermore, according to information received, threatening fascist ideology messages and swastikas are frequently tagged on Roma’s houses or near Roma settlements.2 Of particular concern are also reports indicating that in some countries, Muslims and Jews have been targeted by individuals or groups linked to extremist political parties, movements or groups. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur is concerned, inter alia, about reports of physical attacks against Muslims and Jews, perpetrated by individuals belonging to extreme right-wing movements; paintings of Swastikas on monuments dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust 3 and anti-Semitic acts committed by neo-Nazi groups registered as legal entities under different names.4 7. Xenophobia against foreigners, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers is a predictable trend in many parts of the world when the economic situation deteriorates, and this should be carefully addressed by all actors. Indeed, according to information received, extremist groups and movements inciting racial hatred and violence against migrants continue to operate in a number of countries. It was reported for instance, that several marches against irregular migrants were organized by individuals belonging to far-right groups, followed by violent attacks against migrants.5 Foreigners, including foreign students, have also been targeted. In this regard, it was reported that raids have been organized by far-right groups on dormitories where a number of foreign students were living. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that in some instances, activities by individuals linked to extremist groups or movements, including for instance the distribution of leaflets and posters propagating hatred against migrants have contributed to increased hostility against foreigners and migrants among the local population.6 In addition, it was reported that in some countries, anti-immigrant border vigilante groups have attacked, harassed and sometimes killed individuals they perceived to be irregular migrants. In this connection, the Special Rapporteur warns States about the adoption and implementation of policy and legislative measures targeting migrants – especially irregular migrants – that may contribute to exacerbating xenophobic violence and hostility against them. He calls on States to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted and sanctioned. 8. While minorities, migrants, foreigners, asylum seekers and refugees continue to be the main victims of racist and xenophobic violence by individuals linked to extremist political parties, movements or groups, the Special Rapporteur is concerned that such individuals also target persons on the basis of their sexual orientation. In this regard, he is deeply concerned about information received recently regarding the death of a young gay man of 24 years old, following a brutal attack by individuals linked to a neo-Nazi group, who beat him unconscious and cut swastikas on his chest and arms with a broken bottle. 1 2 3 4 5 6 European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), Fourth report on Ukraine (CRI (2012) 6). Available from http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/ecri/library/publications_en.asp. Alternative report submitted to the Committee on Racial Discrimination at its 78th session (14 February–11 March 2011) ECRI, Fourth report on Latvia (CRI (2012) 3). Available from http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/ ecri/library/publications_en.asp. ECRI, Second report on Serbia (CRI (2011) 21). Available from http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/ monitoring/ecri/library/publications_en.asp. Alternative report submitted to the Committee on Racial Discrimination at its 79th session (8 August2 September 2011). Ibid. 5