Statement from the Centre for Sport & Human Rights on the EURO 2024 Human Rights Declaration

Author - Centre for Sport and Human Rights

On 14 November 2023, the Human Rights Declaration for UEFA EURO 2024 was presented at the Sport and Human Rights conference hosted by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community in Berlin. The Declaration demonstrates a strong commitment to the protection and respect of human rights as part of hosting the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament. 

The Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR) welcomes the collaboration between public and private sectors in line with their roles and responsibilities to strengthen and enforce protection and respect for human rights ahead of the event and welcomes the Organisers’ commitment to respecting all internationally recognised human rights. During the last stage of the process, CSHR was involved in reviewing the Declaration for conformity and alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). CSHR’s comments were fully integrated in sections I and II of the Declaration.

In the overall lifecycle of a major sporting event, the final six months ('games time') are critical not only to delivery of the event, but also to ensuring human rights are protected. CSHR stands ready to support organisers and authorities in the implementation of their human rights commitments in all key risk areas.