A/HRC/32/33 39. The needs, experiences and preferences of target populations must be considered when formulating policies or programmes concerning sport and healthy lifestyles, and in constructing facilities. People are entitled to participate in the formulation of policies and programmes that will have a direct impact upon them, and their involvement must be secured from the design stage of any intervention. Moreover, as health behaviour is the product of social structures and practices, interventions should be adapted for specific groups based on the meaning that they attach to healthy lifestyles, in order to ensure relevance and effectiveness. 40. States should take steps to disseminate information to populations on sport and healthy lifestyles. Such dissemination takes two primary forms: physical education, and awareness-raising through the media and other channels. States should raise awareness of the importance of physical activity (outside of formal education mechanisms) and should encourage individuals to participate through public health campaigns. Again, what is appropriate will vary based on the jurisdiction, but encouraging examples are provided by certain States, such as mass exercise on World Day for Physical Activity to promote participation in sport. 41. Finally, States should do more than simply disseminating information on sport and healthy lifestyles to the populace. Steps must be taken to support the adoption of healthy lifestyles, by creating mechanisms through which healthy choices become the easier and preferred option and poor lifestyle choices are avoided. This can occur through structural changes to environments, for example, which create inexpensive and safe active transport options. IV. Sport and healthy lifestyles and the right to health of key populations and groups A. Children32 42. Specific obligations accrue under the right to health in relation to children and the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Pursuant to article 12 (2) (a) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, States parties are required to take steps necessary to achieve the healthy development of the child; this includes steps to facilitate the participation of children in safe and inclusive play and sport. Moreover, this is consistent with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognizes the right of children to engage in play and recreational activities and requires States to encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for recreational and leisure activity (art. 31). 43. The benefits of participation in physical activity and sport and the adoption of healthy lifestyles can be especially pronounced for children. Physically active young people have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, better metabolic profiles, improved bone health and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Accordingly, WHO has recommended that children and adolescents should participate in 60 minutes of cumulative 32 The present report defines “children” as all persons below the age of 18, unless majority is attained earlier under applicable State law, in accordance with art. 1 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 11

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