U.N. rights boss calls on Britain to prevent xenophobic abuse after Brexit vote

By Stephanie Nebehay and Marina Depetris

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Britain on Tuesday to prevent further incidents of xenophobic abuse in the wake of the vote to leave the European Union, and to prosecute perpetrators.

Polish and Muslim leaders in Britain have expressed concern about a spate of racially motivated hate crimes following last week's Brexit referendum, in which immigration was a key issue.

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the U.N. rights boss, voiced deep concern over reports of abuse targeting minority communities and foreigners in Britain.

"Racism and xenophobia are completely, totally and utterly unacceptable in any circumstances," Zeid said in a statement.

Police said offensive leaflets targeting Poles had been distributed in a town in central England, and graffiti had been daubed on a Polish cultural centre in London on Sunday, three days after the vote. Islamic groups have reported a sharp rise in incidents against Muslims.

Prime Minister David Cameron condemned the attacks on Monday and said he had spoken to his Polish counterpart Beata Szydlo to express his concern and to reassure her that Poles in Britain would be protected.

Zeid, in an interview with Reuters Television on Tuesday, said he shared Cameron's concern at xenophobic and racist threats and attacks on immigrant communities in Britain.

"The United Kingdom has by a democratic act decided to take its leave of the EU. This should not be interpreted by some individuals that they have license to take leave of their senses and embrace a mob-like behaviour in respect of vulnerable communities," he said.

Mutuma Ruteere, the independent U.N. investigator on racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, said that some of the abuse and comments reported since the vote "certainly are xenophobic and racist".

"I also note that the government and the Prime Minister has been very categorical in denouncing those practices as well as what has taken place," Ruteere told a news briefing.

Britain had watchdog institutions that monitor racism, he said, adding: "This is the test for all these institutions that have been put in place over time.

"I'm quite confident and hopeful that actually the institutions that exist can address this problem and nip it in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem."

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Richard Balmforth)