GENEVA Athletes must be able to speak out on rights abuses such as racism and discrimination without fear of reprisals, the United Nations human rights chief insisted on July 1, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Volker Turk said the Games, which begin on July 26, would be taking place against a backdrop of wars, and praised the courage of athletes who highlight rights violations.
He was speaking at the UN Human Rights Council alongside International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach.
But during the subsequent debate, Russia lashed out at its exclusion from Paris 2024 over its war in Ukraine, accusing the IOC of "sordid tactics" and "collective punishment" of its athletes.
Sports, like human rights, promote fairness, respect and equal opportunities, Turk told the rights council in Geneva.
However, sports were not immune from human rights challenges, including during landmark events like the Olympics, he noted.
"Some worrying issues are more visible than others: racist or sexist incidents, abuse, violence against women, corruption, discrimination on the basis of religion or religious attire, disability, nationality or sexual orientation and gender identity," he said.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 03, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 03, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES WORRY EMERY
Villa boss wants side to stop leaking goals as they prepare to face free-scoring Bayern
Vinicius the Real danger with Mbappe doubtful
MADRID - Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is hoping to end October with a first Ballon d'Or in his hands in Paris, but his month also begins in France with a Champions League visit to Lille on Oct 2.
‘Shame for Chiesa’ but Jota fit to face Bologna
LIVERPOOL - Liverpool manager Arne Slot expects Diogo Jota to feature in their Champions League clash with Serie A side Bologna at Anfield, despite the Portuguese forward's absence from training on Oct 1.
Cameroon chief Eto'o banned for 6 months by Fifa
CAMEROON - Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) chief Samuel Eto'o has been banned from attending the national team's matches for six months after violating Fifa's disciplinary regulations, football's governing body said on Sept 30.
"NEW DAWN" FOR ASIAN FOOTBALL
AFC Women's Champions League will boost club game and establish sport in the region
Rees-Zammit needs to be quicker to crack NFL
LONDON - Louis Rees-Zammit has the athletic ability to make it in the National Football League (NFL) but fellow rugby convert Christian Wade, who spent more than three years knocking at the door without getting a start, says that his biggest challenge will come from trying to master the playbook.
Phogat wrestles for power in political arena
JULANA – Indian Olympic wrestling star Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Games, but she is determined to keep fighting for her constituency and against sexual harassment of women as she contests state elections on Oct 5. Phogat retired from wrestling after she was disqualified ahead of the women's 50kg freestyle final for failing to make weight by 100g despite starving herself for a week.
SINNER EXPECTS TACTICAL DECIDER
World No. 1 overcomes local wild card at China Open to advance to final with Alcaraz
Sixers plan to be very smart about Embiid's health
NEW JERSEY - Joel Embiid has a National Basketball Association (NBA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and seven All-Star appearances to his name.
PURE JOY' AS JAMESES SHARE LAKERS FLOOR
LeBron, who enters record-tying 22nd NBA season, is 'living the moment' with his son