UN leaders discuss potential for sport to tackle human rights issues
31 Aug 2016
https://www.sportanddev.org/latest/news/un-leaders-discuss-potential-sport-tackle-human-rights-issues
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Panel discussion on the possibility of using sport and the Olympic ideal to promote human rights for all, including persons with disabilities
On June 28th, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) organized a Panel discussion on the possibility of using sport and the Olympic ideal to promote human rights for all, including persons with disabilities, in the framework of the Human Rights Council’s 32nd session
The Working Group would like to share the speech made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on June 28th and the video made on this occasion.
Excerpts from the speech
Statement by Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights:
"Sports can be a strong force for equality and diversity. They also explore ethical issues, such as responsible team-work, compliance with the rules of the game, and the simple fairness that maintains real and equal access for all."
"Not enough has been done to push back the discrimination and intolerance which is still much too common in sports. Racist or homophobic abuse and attacks – sometimes not only violent but repeated attacks – are suffered by athletes, referees and spectators, from school clubs to the professional leagues. The sanction is too often a slap on the wrist. Hooliganism and disrespectful behaviour is still rampant in football, as we have sadly witnessed in recent weeks. Women athletes also face pervasive derogatory and sexist remarks and attitudes all over the world and in some countries, even today, girls and women are prevented from participating in sports at all."
[This article has been edited by the Operating Team]
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