Translated with AI
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance remain widespread at all levels of sport, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Ashwini K.P., the UN press service reported.
Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council and presenting a new report on this topic, the expert noted that sport has significant potential to promote inclusion, equality, and social cohesion. However, she noted that the sporting sphere continues to reflect and reproduce manifestations of systemic racism and racial discrimination that exist in society.
The report says poverty, armed conflict, discriminatory regulations and underrepresentation of certain groups create significant barriers to participation in sport for racial and ethnic minorities.
The Special Rapporteur drew attention to persistent inequalities in access to sport. According to her, socioeconomic differences, often linked to historical and systemic forms of racism, continue to disproportionately impact marginalized groups.
The expert is particularly concerned about discriminatory eligibility criteria for competitions. According to the report, such rules often affect athletes from racially and ethnically marginalized groups.
Furthermore, persistent stereotypes influence the identification of athletic talent, the preparation and selection of athletes, and how they are perceived by society.
The report also notes ongoing instances of racist abuse and hate speech directed at athletes and fans. Such incidents are documented both online and offline.
The Special Rapporteur called on States to ensure equal access to sport, prohibit all forms of discrimination, strengthen the fight against hate speech, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Sports organisations, the private sector and civil society are encouraged to strengthen inclusive governance, increase the representation of diverse groups and create a safe environment where the rights of all participants, including transgender and intersex women, are respected.
According to the UN expert, transforming sport into a space of true equality requires long-term political will, joint efforts, and a commitment to eliminating historical forms of discrimination. Only by overcoming the legacy of exclusion and inequality, she emphasized, will sport fully contribute to dignity, justice, inclusiveness, and positive social change.
