A/HRC/27/58
politicization of sports and the claim that some western values are universal.93 Numerous
incidents indicate the level of challenge faced in promoting human rights through sport and
the Olympic ideal (the sporting boycott of South Africa during the Apartheid era, certain
attitudes towards the track and field athlete Jesse Owens at the Berlin Olympics in 1936,
the Munich massacre in 1972, in which members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken
hostage and killed by the Palestinian Black September group). Strategies should be
developed to translate the symbolic role of sport in the promotion of human rights. There
are also challenges to be faced with regard to the fight against corruption discrimination at
all levels, unfair rules and regulations, and the promotion of values, in view of the hierarchy
given to Western countries.94 It is natural that some observers highlight a lack of awareness
and a low level of social education; political or financial instability, extreme national
defence strategies that may be a cause of discrimination; customs and traditions that can
impede the involvement or simply disturb the emotions of women, or people of a certain
age group, race and background.95
77.
Sport is also at risk from the trafficking of children in underdeveloped countries;
young people who leave school early; doping; identity fraud in selections in the case of
some young people who have already passed the age of eligibility; insufficient policies to
promote the participation of women in sport, who still face difficulties in accessing
competitions; and a lack of infrastructure in developing countries.96
78.
The media have exerted a considerable influence on society. In the area of equal
rights for women, the media have tended to emphasize the participation of men in sports,
thereby ignoring the right of women to sport and recreational physical activity. In addition,
the promulgation and promotion of sports and physical activities with a gender-equity
approach amounts to little if the different needs of men and women are not actually
addressed. It is of great importance that sport in any country is “democratic” to make it
accessible to everyone. It is here that the contribution of the media can be most helpful, in
its broadcasting of sport-related programmes and events, aimed at a broad and diverse
population , constituting of people who are all rights-holders.97
79.
Among the main challenges faced by sport are a lack of the funds required for the
promotion of sport activities, especially for vulnerable groups and disabled children,98 the
difficulties associated with building sports infrastructure, especially for the expensive
activities that cannot be practised by all, and, clearly, doping.99 Generally, the provision of
sport facilities remains an acute problem, although several inter-institutional alliances have
been set up to allow access for a wider range of the population to the facilities of the
educational centres. The budget allocation is also challenging, and it has forced
prioritization in those areas where violent episodes are more frequent (“red zones”).100
80.
The following problems related to discriminatory practices in sport are to be
understood in an international context:
(a)
The difference in the distribution of sports sponsorship by gender: it is
estimated that with regard to participants at the Olympics, only 0.5 per cent of all
commercial sponsorships are focused on female athletes;
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18
Response of Ignasi Grau.
Response of the Religious Freedom Youth Network (RFYN), India.
Response of Qatar.
Response of Côte d’Ivoire.
Response of Chili.
Response of Cyprus.
Response of Mauritania.
Response of Guatemala.
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