Submission to UN Human Rights Report on a World of Sport Free Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

Countering Hate and Discrimination Against All People Impacted in Sport

The world of sport is often perceived as a place in which none of the burdens and inequalities of society take place or could possibly exist. Embedded by ideals of excellence, respect and friendship, its philosophy often misleads people to discount the importance of critical scrunity around sport’s responsibility to address and combat racism, discrimination and other human rights violations. Contrary to original beliefs and traditions, sport mirrors the challenges facing society – and sometimes even contributes to its exacerbation.

Aligned with our mission to advocate for those most impacted by the negative aspects of sport, the SRA actively works to counter racism, discrimination and intolerance in sport: from amplifying the voices of Indian wrestlers raising complaints of sexual abuse to standing with brave French Muslim athletes fighting discriminatory hijab bans. Moreover, it is part of our organizational commitment to prioritise cases in the Global South and adopt a “margins in approach” in order to prioritize and amplify the voices of historically marginalized communities. 

The Sport & Rights Alliance contributed the following brief to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights call for inputs for the preparation of its report pursuant to the Human Rights Council Resolution 54/25 “a World of Sport Free from Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.”

Represented by network coordinator Joanna Maranhão, the SRA also participated in the UN’s Regional Consultation on a World of Sport Free from Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance in Brussels on 13-14 March. Speaking on a panel moderated by Daniela Heerdt, alongside Antoine Duval, Presilia M., Ginous Alford, and Shubham Jain, Joanna emphasized the critical role of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as an advocacy tool to ensure that sport governing bodies integrate human rights into their policies and procedures. She also highlighted the importance of give greater attention to the Remedy pillar of the UNGP framework and examine the impacts on groups impacted by mega sporting events beyond just athletes, such as communities and fans.

Please find our full submission below.

Related news

Saudi Arabia: Migrant Workers Electrocuted, Decapitated, and Falling to Death at Workplaces

Saudi Arabia: Migrant Workers Electrocuted, Decapitated, and Falling to Death at Workplaces

Prevent, Investigate Deaths; Compensate Families; Mandate Life Insurance (Beirut) – Scores of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia die in gruesome yet avoidable workplace-related accidents, including falling from buildings, electrocution, and even decapitation, Human Rights Watch said today. Saudi authorities have failed to adequately protect workers from preventable deaths, investigate workplace safety incidents, and ensure timely and adequate […]

READ MORE

Japan Acts to Protect Athletes from Abuse

Japan Acts to Protect Athletes from Abuse

Four Years Since Tokyo Olympics, Lawmakers Commit to Protecting Children Four years after hosting the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan is finally taking action to protect athletes from abuse in sport. This month, the Japanese National Diet passed a revision to the Basic Act on Sport (2011), requiring the national and local governments to adopt measures […]

READ MORE

Letter to FIFA Re. Human Rights Responsibilities in 2026 World Cup

Letter to FIFA Re. Human Rights Responsibilities in 2026 World Cup

Human Rights Watch Letter to FIFA May 5, 2025 Gianni InfantinoPresidentFédération Internationale de Football AssociationFIFA-Strasse 20, P.O. Box 8044 Zurich, Switzerland Subject: FIFA’s Human Rights Responsibilities in 2026 World Cup Dear Mr. Infantino, We write to express grave concerns about the impact of current United States immigration policies on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and […]

READ MORE

Related resources

Japan Acts to Protect Athletes from Abuse

Japan Acts to Protect Athletes from Abuse

Four Years Since Tokyo Olympics, Lawmakers Commit to Protecting Children Four years after hosting the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan is finally taking action to protect athletes from abuse in sport. This month, the Japanese National Diet passed a revision to the Basic Act on Sport (2011), requiring the national and local governments to adopt measures […]

READ MORE

Aerial shot of four crew rowers on teal water with Title: Behind the Statistics with blue highlight and eyebrow header above

Episode 2: “Behind the Statistics”

Understanding the data on abuse in sports Watch the second episode of our three-part series exploring scientific data on violence in sports: “Behind the Statistics.” In this video, we dive into prevalence studies and associated factors that put some groups of athletes at higher risk. Led by Dr Aurelie Pankowiak, postdoctoral researcher at the Institute […]

READ MORE

Join the Network

Sport has the potential to be a catalyst for human development, unity, and freedom, but too often it instead brings harm to its athletes, fans, and communities. We exist to uncover and rectify the many abuses that exist both in and around sport. We aim to transform sports into an authentic force for good.