Joint Statement on behalf of Greece China and a cross regional group of 129 countries on Sport and Human Rights (28th Human Rights Council-General Debate – Agenda Item 8)

Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Greece, China and a cross-regional group of 129 countries including the African Group and individual countries which will be listed in the written statement to be put on the Extranet.

Every individual deserves the possibility of practicing sport, in a safe and enjoyable environment, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires a spirit of mutual understanding, friendship, solidarity and fair play. This is reflected in the Fundamental Principles of Olympism of the Olympic Charter.

It is acknowledged that sport is a means to promote education, health, development and peace, and constitutes a universal language that contributes to an atmosphere of respect, diversity, tolerance, understanding, cooperation and solidarity. Thus we emphasize and encourage the use of sport as a vehicle to foster development and strengthen education for all, particularly children and young persons; prevent disease and promote health, including the prevention of drug abuse; empower girls and women and promote gender equality; foster the inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities; promote non-discrimination on any grounds; and facilitate social inclusion, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

We also acknowledge the valuable contribution that the appeal by the International Olympic Committee for an Olympic Truce, also known as ekecheiria, could make towards advancing the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

Meanwhile, the Olympic and the Paralympic Games, and other sport and major sporting events, such as the International Federation of Association Football World Cup can be used to promote human rights and strengthen universal respect for them, thus contributing to their full realization.

For these reasons, we call upon States to promote physical activity and sport among all segments of their population, to use sport and major sporting events as an opportunity to promote human rights and strengthen universal respect for them, thus contributing to their full realization.

We encourage the international community to support efforts, particularly in developing countries, through international cooperation, including North-South, as well as South-South, and trilateral cooperation, to promote sport as a tool to enhance well-being and healthy lifestyles for all, without discrimination of any kind.

We appreciate the joint endeavors of the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace and the United Nations system in such fields as human development, poverty alleviation, humanitarian assistance, health promotion, HIV and AIDS prevention, child and youth education, gender equality, peacebuilding and sustainable development. Therefore, we call upon all states to cooperate with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee in their efforts to use sport as a tool to promote human rights, development, peace, dialogue and reconciliation during and beyond the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Thank you, Mr. President.