The Sporting Chance Forum closes with pledges to join #teamhumanrights
Author - Centre for Sport and Human Rights
The Sporting Chance Forum (SCF23) closed at the Palais des Nations in Geneva with pledges to support #TeamHumanRights.
SCF23 coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 5th anniversary of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR). SCF23 was officially part of the United Nations Human Rights 75, a year-long initiative to commemorate UDHR's anniversary.
Re-watch the Sporting Chance Forum 2023
Special guest Caster Semenya spoke with former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson about her recollections of meeting Nelson Mandela as an 18-year old, and her long struggle for dignity and human rights: “It is very important for leaders to understand that when it comes to policy making, it is not up to you to decide who belongs in sport. It is up to athletes to decide.”
The opening plenary session had kicked off with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk focusing on promoting human rights in sport: ‘'We need responsible sport – sport and Mega-Sporting Events that are inclusive, fair, and safe, where stakeholders are properly engaged, and where human rights risks are mapped and addressed in line with international standards.”
UEFA General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis spoke on European football’s governing body’s emphasis on human rights throughout the organisation’s work: “We have reiterated our commitment to being an active participant in the Advisory Council of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights. We want to engage with civil society & to continue to play a role to promote universal human rights amongst the football community.”
Ex-Professional Cricketer Azeem Rafiq, expressed his hopes for a way forward to sport’s racism issues: “We've got to be involved in the conversations. We must work collectively and find innovative ways to create opportunities together.”
On the Voice, Agency and Action Young Journalism panel, sports activist Shireen Ahmed said: “Who tells the story is as important as the story itself.”
Sessions included
- Beyond Commitments: Towards transformational leadership & cultural change in sport
- The “S” in ESG: Risks, regulations & responsibilities
- Truth, Justice, Repair & Reconciliation: Opportunities in sport to address racial inequality & legacies of colonialism
- The Transformative Future of Women’s Sports: Embracing intersectionality & solidarity in policies & practices
- Voice, Agency & Action: Engaging young journalists in communities & at Mega-Sporting Events
- Responding to & Remedying Abuse in Sport: Conducting safe, effective & appropriate investigation
Patron & Founding Chair of the Centre for Sport & Human Rights Mary Robinson said: “It was a great pleasure to join this year’s Sporting Chance Forum, which plays a critical role in convening all actors working to advance respect for human rights in sport. The discussions were insightful and inspiring, and it was an honour to speak with Caster Semenya about her journey and ongoing struggle to defend her rights.”
The Sporting Chance Forum was organised by the Centre for Sport and Human Rights and co-hosted with the International Labour Organization, the UN Human Rights Office, the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Government of Switzerland and is supported by Open Society Foundations.
The Centre for Sport and Human Rights is supporting the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with 'The 75' campaign. In the 75 days leading up to International Human Rights Day, CSHR, together with the UN Human Rights Office, is publishing 75 social media videos from athletes who have spoken out on social issues and human rights, or have demonstrated in other ways their commitment to human rights - through their foundations, NGOs, or support for UN causes.
About the Centre for Sport and Human Rights
Launched in June 2018, CSHR works towards a world of sport that fully respects human rights by sharing knowledge, building capacity, and strengthening the accountability of all actors in the sport ecosystem through collective action. The Centre’s First Patron is Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Follow the Centre for Sport and Human Rights
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@SportandRights on Twitter
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Sport and Rights Podcast
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