World Players Association urges inclusion of athlete voices in global sports governance

Every four years, leading up to the Summer Olympic Games, the Human Rights Council discusses promoting human rights through sport and the Olympic ideal. This year's panel coincided with the tenth anniversary of an open letter from John Ruggie, former UN Special Representative on Business Human Rights, and Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The letter declared that the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights apply to mega-sporting events.

Reflecting on this milestone, Alford noted that progress has stalled because athletes lack equal say in decisions affecting their lives. She highlighted upcoming challenges and opportunities to address power imbalances in sports governance. Alford urged States to recognize athletes as individuals with specific rights and protections.

Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, remarked that athletes increasingly speak out against violations or systemic injustices at great personal risk. "These athletes must be supported and protected," he said, advocating for avenues allowing them to speak out safely.

Türk referenced recent discussions between his office and World Players Association affiliates about empowering athletes through human rights mechanisms.

Thomas Bach, President of the IOC; Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur in cultural rights; Najlah Imad Al-Dayyeni, Iraqi table tennis Paralympian; and Yiech Pur Biel, IOC Member from South Sudan's Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Rio Games also participated in the panel.

###