Rights experts call for an end to discriminatory policies and practices in sports
“Countries must take positive action to eliminate discrimination based on gender, ethnic identity, legal status, age or any other factorincludes indirect, interstitial and structural elements,” speak Alexandra Xanthaki, introduces her latest product report to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
It refers to the right to participate in sport as an important element of the right to participate in cultural life.
‘Neutral’ is not an option
Ms. Xanthaki said that sports associations have a responsibility to respect human rights and “sporting autonomy” cannot be used to protect itself from external accountability.
They must provide a clear and effective response to current and historical abuses, she said, and victims and civil society need to be engaged.
The human rights expert said “neutrality” in sport was inappropriate when it came to human rights issues, complaints and campaigns, but noted that “Unfortunately, double standards in solving difficult problems are rampant” at the elite level.
Assumptions and prohibitions
In calling on States to end discrimination in sport, she also reiterated their obligation to take action to prevent and remedy violations by entities based in their territories.
She said any restrictions on the right to participate in sports must be proportionate and based on legitimate purposes.
She warned that blanket bans based on nationality or against all trans women as well as violations against female athletes of different genders are contrary to current human rights standards onion..
“Decisions that prevent women from competing, based on assumptions about who a woman is, or how she should behave, must be corrected immediately,” she said.
Sports for everyone
Ms. Xanthaki emphasized that everyone has the right to participate in sports. Therefore, States and sports associations must adopt measures and policies to ensure a safe and positive environment where this right is exercised.
Furthermore, with help from the media, they must run campaigns that promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of sport, while combating false assumptions and biases .
“It is imperative that a cultural rights approach is used to discuss bias in sport, considering who sits at the table to decide the direction, who benefits from sport, who is harmed , how to minimize the risk of human rights violations in an environment”. ways that are culturally appropriate and enhance the benefits that sport can bring to individuals and society,” she said.
Introduction to UN rapporteurs
The Special Rapporteur is appointed by the UN Human Rights Council Monitor and report on country-specific developments on thematic issues anywhere in the world.
They are part of what is calledSpecial proceduresof the Council, the largest independent expert body in the United Nations Human Rights system.
These professionals work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN employees and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organization and serve as individuals.
