A/HRC/40/72 the United Nations Action Plan on Sport for Development and Peace; (d) include sportrelated indicators in the statistical indicators developed by OHCHR; (e) include disabilities under prohibited discrimination in the Olympic Charter; (f) include a panel on inclusive physical education and school sport in the 2019 Social Forum; (g) elevate the status of sport as a sustainable development and human rights tool; and (h) consider the creation of a “sport treaty” to coordinate reporting and responsibility in physical education, physical activity and sports. 62. Philip Jennings, co-founder of the World Players Association and member of the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work, argued that fault lines still existed in sports. For effective collective action, the voice of athletes and players should be taken seriously. Their fundamental human rights, including labour rights, should be respected. The International Olympic Committee should embed respect for international human and labour rights as an operational principle. Organized struggle by players contributed to addressing exploitation and promoting human rights and equality. Civil society and unions had the capacity and experience to contribute to solutions. Involving them would enhance the power of sport. Mr. Jennings requested the International Olympic Committee to delay the adoption of its Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration, as the draft fell short of international human rights standards. 63. Stavroula Kozompoli, an Olympic medallist in water polo, a member of the International Olympic Committee’s Marketing Commission, and President of the Hellenic Olympic Winners Association, stated that sport was universal, and had no languages nor barriers. It promoted respect for diversity, teamwork and common views that prevented conflicts and united people. All athletes should fight against racism and stereotypes, and promote gender equality and the inclusion of persons with disabilities, of refugees and of other vulnerable people. Ms. Kozompoli described two initiatives that she led in Greece. The first was a football team for refugee girls, which promoted their dignity and self-esteem. Through the second initiative, Olympic and Paralympic athletes visited primary schools together promoting tolerance for diversity, respect for other cultures and human rights. Athletes were the best role models for positive behaviour, human rights and solidarity, because they experienced extreme challenges and succeeded. 64. Representatives of the Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII, Human Rights Watch, the Equality League, Association Le Pont, the Sports and Rights Alliance and World Indigenous Nations Sports International made concluding remarks. Participants regretted human rights violations related to sports such as criminalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, barriers to women attending matches, promoting bellicose language in sports, and making budgetary cuts that undermined the potential of sports to promote peace and development. Participants called for multi-stakeholder engagement and giving voice to underprivileged groups such as women, youth and indigenous peoples. One participant considered mega sporting events to be a litmus test of the realization of the right to development, as only by abiding by its principles could Member States realize other human rights. Another participant warned against unilateral and uncooperative work, saying it entailed dangers of human rights violations. Good practices included the decision to grant equal pay to men and women players in international squash events, and the empowerment of children in street situations through sports. 65. Reacting to comments, Ms. Carty argued that the power of data and of narratives was critically important, whether they were about good or bad experiences. She stressed calls for change in and through sports, and supported participatory decision-making. The Kazan follow-up framework could be a means to address those demands. Mr. Jennings called for recognition of the role of trade unions, and for freedom of association and collective bargaining. Sport was not exempt from those basic rights. Ms. Kozompoli advocated more education and solidarity programmes and actions using innovative means to promote equality in society and protect human rights. It was important to move from theory to practice in order to achieve results. 17