In this article, we have analyzed the most significant events and news in sports for April-June 2024 through the lens of international human rights standards.
In Belarus, persecution of representatives of the sports industry who disagree with the Belarusian de facto authorities continues, which is a manifestation of systematic and widespread violation of human rights in the country. The reasons for persecution in the analyzed period were participation in peaceful protests in 2020, leaks of personal data of law enforcers, participation in an “extremist formation”, nomination of a candidate to the Coordinating Council, and inscription “zyvie Belarus”. The practice of recording and distributing “penitential” videos continues, which violates the fundamental right to protection from degrading treatment and punishment.
In the field of women’s sports, more and more clubs and federations are trying to develop training infrastructure and organize matches in stadiums that can accommodate tens of thousands of spectators, indicating a growing interest in women’s games or providing infrastructure on a scale to match the demand, as well as the development of the industry. However, female players still have to fight for favorable conditions and fair pay. These developments affect fundamental human rights, including the right to equality and non-discrimination. Addressing these issues is essential for the sustainable development of women’s sport and the protection of human rights.
June is a month of pride for the LGBTQ+ community. The analyzed period was marked by a large number of support actions in a variety of sports. But there is also still discrimination and rejection. Opposing trends indicate progress, but also emphasize the need for continuous efforts to create an inclusive and safe environment for everyone.
Positive trends are evident in the right to health dimension. More and more organizations and federations are taking a “people-first” approach to the health of athletes. These include rapid response to concussions, specific protocols for women’s well-being and a project to find ways to reduce the risk of injury in women’s football. Athletes themselves continue to talk about the importance of mental health on par with physical health. Ensuring access to proper medical care, injury prevention and mental health support protects the well-being of athletes in their careers.
We have repeatedly highlighted how sports uniforms can be used as a way to promote human rights and socially relevant issues. The material looks at similar examples to highlight the hearing impaired community, domestic violence, as well as racism, anti-semitism, homophobia, sexism and other forms of discrimination. This is important because in this way the broad appeal and media coverage of sport is used to address critical human rights issues, promoting an inclusive culture both inside and outside the sporting community.
One of the most significant and global sporting events during the analyzed period was the European Football Championship (EURO-2024). Global sporting events often become a platform for discussing significant societal issues and also help to draw attention to existing problems in the aspect of human rights. It is essential that organizers, participants and spectators work together to promote inclusion, combat discrimination and ensure respect for human rights at all levels at these global events. This approach can lead to lasting positive change in the sporting world and society as a whole.
News stories about the use of artificial intelligence to protect athletes and the sports arena as a platform to call for votes in parliamentary elections, as well as more fan clashes with varying degrees of consequences, athletes fighting for the right to fair pay and even pushing the climate change agenda, are evidence of sport’s broad impact on all spheres of life to build a diverse and inclusive society.
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