Sport and Human Rights: new centre launches

On the 26^th June 2018, the MSE Platform, which is a multi-stakeholder coalition of different international actors working together to ensure the respect of human rights in sporting events, will launch a new ‘Centre for Sport and Human Rights’ at the ILO's Offices in Geneva.

According to a joint statement made by the MSE Platform , when the announcement of the creation of the new center was published past November, the goal is “to promote effective approaches to prevent, mitigate, and remedy human rights impacts associated with sport”.

“Our cooperation is rooted in the belief that ensuring respect for human rights across the world of sport and mega-sporting events cannot be achieved by individual organisations working alone. It instead requires joint action aimed at sharing knowledge, building capacity, and ensuring transparency and accountability,” the statements adds.

The announcement of the opening was made at the Sporting Chance Forum held the 30^th November 2017 in Geneva. The Forum brought together almost 200 global leaders, experts, and advocates on sport and human rights.

“Over the last two years, our coalition has shown how this challenging subject can be addressed through new forms of cooperation. In 2018, collective action will become a permanent feature in the world of sport, through the creation of an independent Centre for Sport Human Rights,” commented the Chair of the MSE Platform, Mary Robinson at the forum last year.

At the Forum were also present the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach and the Secretary General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Guy Ryder; who has also recently signed an agreement with the Government of Qatar, the host of the next FIFA World Cup, to ensure the respect of international labour standards within the country.

“Past experience has shown that major sporting events can be associated with serious human rights abuses if not managed properly. Together, we can prevent, or at least mitigate these risks so that these events fulfill their full potential to positively impact people’s lives by delivering not only entertainment, but by generating decent jobs,” Ryder remarked at the Forum.

The new Centre also has the support of FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Federation, and UEFA, as well as a range of a diverse group of international actors involved in the protection of human rights.

At the launching event of the Centre, there will be several key speakers in the field of human rights and sports such as; the ILO Deputy Director-General for Field Operations & Partnerships Moussa Oumarou, the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore, the Chair of the new Centre for Sport and Human Rights Mary Robinson, and the Chief Executive of the Institute for Human Rights and Business John Morrison.

The event is free to attend and the registration can be effectuated here.