A/HRC/28/81
to GA resolution A/RES/67/17. He noted that the Human Rights Council had become
increasingly active in the field of human rights and sport, noting resolutions
A/HRC/RES/13/27, adopted in 2010, A/HRC/RES/26/18 and A/HRC/27/L.14 both adopted
in 2014 in that regard. Mr. Burgheim explained that UNOSDP worked with a number of
different actors ranging from governments to other United Nations entities to sport
federations. The Office was active in policy formulation and was implementing concrete
projects under its mandate. UNOSDP was involved in the drafting process of the relevant
General Assembly resolutions, and had intervened from time to time to resolve emblematic
cases concerning discrimination in sport, notably a recent case concerning the wearing of
the head scarf during a women’s basketball games. Mr. Burgheim underlined the
importance of sport in the area of anti-discrimination, noting that sport was a powerful tool
to strengthen social ties and networks, and promote ideals of peace, fraternity, solidarity,
non-violence, non-discrimination, tolerance and justice. Sport was a global phenomenon,
which had a strong convening power and enjoyed wide-spread popularity, especially among
youth. He offered the support of the Office on Sport for Development and Peace and
provision of relevant expertise to the Ad Hoc Committee.
5.
Mr. Pavel Klymenko, FARE Network, briefed delegates about the work of the
network concerning racism and xenophobia in sport, especially football. The FARE
network membership, though primarily European, was also growing on a global scale.
FARE was currently active in more than forty countries and cooperated with UEFA, FIFA,
CONCACAF and others. Among the major issues in football that were addressed by FARE
were: the re-emergence of far-right parties and extremist movements in Europe; the
continued abuse of ethnic minorities; escalating xenophobia and extremist symbolism at
matches; the existence of glass ceilings for minorities in sports administration and
coaching; and the fact that national bodies and Governments were slow to respond to such
problems. He explained that stronger sanctions from responsible sport associations, as well
as national authorities were important to combat racism and xenophobia in sport. It was
important that UEFA disciplinary bodies be informed, following an analysis of the
probability of risk at certain matches and that independent monitoring of these matches take
place. He added that FARE assisted with the collection of data, carrying out a preventative
prognostic function.
6.
Mr. Klymenko stated that strong leadership was necessary, as there was an obvious
need to broaden diversity in sport, in cooperation with affected communities. He added that
the system of data collection undertaken by FARE Network allows for prevention, and
could be replicated at the national level. It was also important to ensure that legal
frameworks were consistent at the national level, as such commonly-agreed principles to
assist in addressing discriminatory incidents in sport at the international level could be
useful. The cooperation between police forces and sport organizers was critical. In addition,
the expert suggested that anti-discrimination campaigns needed to be supported by
countries and public authorities should engage with fans and victims.
7.
The representative of Morocco while noting that football was at the forefront in
addressing discrimination in that sport, inquired about anti-discrimination initiatives in
other sports and other regions and whether it would be possible to build on the initiatives
taking place in Europe. The European Union welcomed the expert discussion of practical
initiatives taking place to combat racism in sport. It also inquired whether there were
attempts to expand these initiatives to other regions and other sports, and also asked about
other forms of discrimination, such as discrimination against women and persons with
disabilities, asking about examples of efficient approaches. It noted that an increased
partnership between UN organizations and sport federations was essential to combat
discrimination. The Human Rights Council should play a role in that regard. Some sport
associations, such as the International Olympic Committee, that had UN observer status,
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