Top Stories,Rights expert calls for ending discriminatory policies and practices in sport

Rights expert calls for ending discriminatory policies and practices in sport

GENEVA (23 March 2023) – A UN human rights expert today called on States, international sports bodies and other stakeholders to end discriminatory policies and practices in sport, stressing that everyone must be able to participate in and enjoy sport on an equal basis.

“Discrimination in sport is a significant issue that affects millions of people around the world,” said Fernand de Varennes, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to participate in cultural life. “It takes many forms, including discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion and socio-economic status.”

The Special Rapporteur highlighted a number of specific examples of discrimination in sport, including:

  • The exclusion of women from certain sports, such as football and wrestling, in some countries.
  • The lack of opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in mainstream sports.
  • The discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ athletes, such as the exclusion of transgender athletes from certain competitions.
  • The racist abuse experienced by athletes from minority backgrounds.

“Discrimination in sport not only violates the human rights of individuals, but it also undermines the values of sport itself,” said de Varennes. “Sport should be a force for good in the world, promoting inclusion, equality and respect.”

The Special Rapporteur called on States to adopt and enforce laws that prohibit discrimination in sport. He also urged international sports bodies to develop and implement policies that promote inclusion and diversity.

“All stakeholders have a responsibility to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment,” said de Varennes. “We must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and enjoy sport, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

The Special Rapporteur will present a report on discrimination in sport to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2023.

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact: Anitta Pedersen (+41 22 917 9270 / apedersen@ohchr.org) or write to srculturalrights@ohchr.org

Background: Fernand de Varennes was appointed as the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights in November 2020 by the UN Human Rights Council. As a Special Rapporteur, he is part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures is the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, addressing a wide range of thematic issues and country situations. The experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

For more information about the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to participate in cultural life, please visit: www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-cultural-rights


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