UN Human Rights Council Adopts Global Resolution to Combat Racism in Sports

UN Human Rights Council Adopts Global Resolution to Combat Racism in Sports
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The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted resolution A/HRC/60/L.22 titled “A World of Sport Free from Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance” without a vote, during the closing session of its 60th regular meeting in Geneva, chaired by Jürg Lauber. The initiative was introduced by Brazil and Ghana on behalf of the African Group.

Brazil’s representative emphasized that persistent incidents of racism in sports require stronger international cooperation and renewed commitment to eliminating all forms of racial discrimination. She noted that the resolution seeks to reinforce a collective, human rights–based approach to promoting equality and inclusion in the global sports community.

Cuba expressed firm support for sports free from racism, while Benin condemned all forms of racial intolerance and xenophobia, stressing the need to integrate values of tolerance and non-discrimination into sports education and school curricula. Ethiopia highlighted sports as a powerful tool for fostering equality and intercultural understanding, linking the resolution’s goals to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

Bolivia described sports as a universal language that unites people across boundaries, faiths, and colors, urging governments to adopt policies ensuring equal participation and empowerment, especially for women and girls. Kenya, one of the resolution’s co-sponsors, welcomed its adoption, citing its own national policies and the global achievements of Kenyan athletes such as Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, and David Rudisha as examples of diversity and excellence in sport.

Council President Jürg Lauber officially confirmed the resolution’s adoption after no objections were raised. He also noted the inclusion of a financial proposal amounting to $680,100—funded by the American Bar Association—to be added to the general budget in support of the resolution’s implementation.