Tokyo Olympics: Take Action to Protect Athletes
As Japan prepares to host the Olympics and Paralympics in July, the global spotlight brings a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change laws and policies in Japan and around the world to protect millions of child athletes.Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch
Let’s Bring Back the Joy of Sport
For too long, young Japanese athletes have faced a harsh reality – that in order to win, they must endure abuse and mistreatment. With the Olympics approaching, all eyes are on Tokyo and the world’s attention will be focused on its athletes. That’s why now is the moment to raise our voices, to call for an end to athlete abuse, and to return joy to sport. Show solidarity and join the conversation by using #AthletesAgainstAbuse — and urge Japanese leaders to take action by signing the petition below.
With your signature, you’ll help create a zero tolerance policy of abuse in sports. Tell Seiko Hashimoto, Minister for the Tokyo Olympics, and Koji Murofushi, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, to make a commitment now to establish a safe sport center in Japan. Sign the petition today.
Together, We Can Change the Game
“For decades, children in Japan have been brutally beaten and verbally abused in the name of winning trophies and medals,” said Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch. “As Japan prepares to host the Olympics and Paralympics in July, the global spotlight brings a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change laws and policies in Japan and around the world to protect millions of child athletes.”
With the world watching, it’s time to build a safer future for athletes to come. Together, we can change the game. Join the #AthletesAgainstAbuse movement.
Sign the petition here.
If you or someone you know has been affected by athlete abuse and are seeking resources or support, please visit World Players Care.
Learn More
Human Rights Watch documented the experiences of over 800 children in Japan, finding child abuse in sports training throughout Japanese schools, federations, and elite sports. Japanese athletes from more than 50 sports reported abuses that included being punched in the face, kicked, beaten with objects like bats or bamboo kendo sticks, being deprived of water, choked, whipped with whistles or racquets, and being sexually abused and harassed.
To learn more, read Human Rights Watch’s July 2020 Report on the abuse of child athletes in Japan, “I Was Hit So Many Times I Can’t Count.”
