UN Experts Criticize France’s Hijab Ban in Sports as Discriminatory

United Nations rights experts have condemned France’s ban on the hijab in sports, labeling it as “discriminatory” and demanding its reversal, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.

The French government has invoked strict secularism laws to prohibit athletes from wearing religious symbols, including the hijab, during the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. This ban extends to various sports federations, including football and basketball, which have excluded hijab-wearing players from competitions at all levels.

In a statement signed by eight independent UN experts, they emphasized that Muslim women and girls who wear the hijab should have equal rights to participate in cultural and sporting activities. They argued that these restrictions infringe on the rights of athletes to express their identity and beliefs publicly.

The experts highlighted that the principles of neutrality and secularism should not justify limitations on freedom of expression and religious practice. They called for France to protect the rights of hijab-wearing women and promote equality and respect for cultural diversity. While the French team at the Paris Olympics did not include hijab-wearing athletes, the International Olympic Committee allowed participants to wear the hijab in the athletes’ village.